Banned for Biting: Ex-UFC Fighter Embraces ‘Hannibal’ Persona in OKTAGON Debut

Igor Severino has embraced the controversy ahead of his OKMMA debut.

Severino on Instagram

Igor Severino makes his OKTAGON MMA debut at OKMMA 65 on December 29.

Severino was cut from the UFC and handed a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for biting his opponent, Andre Lima, in his debut back in March.

Now fighting in Europe, Severino debuts in OKMMA against former bantamweight champion Jonas Magard, and he's bringing the biting gimmick with him.

😅 Former UFC fighter Igor Severino will be wearing a Hannibal Lecter mask during his walkout tonight after he was cut from the UFC after biting his opponent in March.

The bite led to a DQ loss, which was the first time a bite cancelled a fight in UFC history. (via… pic.twitter.com/fevnmHRbtk

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 29, 2024

"[The bite] became viral worldwide," Severino told MMA Fighting. "... So now I'm using that to my advantage. ... I got the [Hannibal] mask and had some fun, I joked around, 'Will I bite again or not?'... That won't happen again," He laughed.

Igor Severino is embracing Hannibal Lecter gimmick after being suspended for biting his opponent 😨

(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/WqWnt2ue9U

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 28, 2024

Severino stars on the OKMMA 65 main card. Magard has the opportunity to hand him his first non-disqualification loss.

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