Renato Sobral ~ It Speaks For Itself

posted by J. Andrew Yount

While many fighters spend years riding the popularity and expectations that come from their pedigree or a lone victory, Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral (35-8) is content to just keep moving forward. Sobral has spent a career at or near the top of the light heavyweight division, but yet is still one of the most under appreciated mixed martial artists to ever put on a pair of gloves. Coming up at Affliction’s Trilogy event, he will be facing off against Gegard Mousasi. It’s a bout that the current Strikeforce light heavyweight champion covets, “I want fights with top opponents only” he says. Adding, “Training has gone great. I am injury free.” 

As Sobral prepares for his August showdown with the younger Mousasi, he is approaching this fight as he does most others, with an arctic cool. When asked if he had spotted a weakness within Mousasi’s attack, he answers with a simple “Yes,” being, otherwise, tight lipped about his opponent. When asked how he thought the Armenian would come at him, ‘Babalu’ joked, “I heard he has bad breath.” And although this bout has huge meaning for his standing in the division or the legacy he continues to write, he states that he views this particular fight as he would any other, “I fight every fight like it is my last.” 

Regardless of the outcome of the battle with Mousasi, Sobral will remain the Strikeforce champion, and will most certainly be defending that title in his next bout. And while the light heavyweight division is loaded with quality talent, ‘Babalu’ knows of two potential challengers that he will not be facing, “Little Nog [Anontio Rogerio Nogueira] is not an option.  He is my good friend.  Tito [Ortiz] will not fight me. That should be clear by now.” With his near flawless performances of late, finding a suitable challenger will be a difficult task. And whether it is Affliction or Strikeforce, Sobral is confident that both organizations are strong and will continue to grow, “Their futures are bright. The talent speaks for itself.”

Asked if sees any differences in working for the likes of Tom Atencio (Affliction), Scott Coker (Strikeforce), or Dana White (UFC) the former UFC title contender answers, “Yes. Each person has different personalities. And while people continually want others to say bad things about Dana, I have nothing bad to say; at least nothing that I care to say.” With the recent criticism of Brock Lesnar and Dan Henderson concerning their actions at UFC 100 many have drawn a correlation between those acts and the actions that supposedly lead to his firing by the UFC, Sobral may not see it that same way. “No. I don’t care.” However, one topic he appeared to care about concerning a member of the UFC roster, was the current light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida. Asked how he envisioned a fight between the two, Sobral answered emphatically, “I would punch him, and then I would punch his manager!” 

So just how does Renato Sobral explain how he has managed to win his way into the conversation as one of the top light heavyweights and just below Fedor Emelianenko’s name on the Affliction: Trilogy marquee? “I attribute this to years of training with the best in the word.” Those trainers and training partners would include the likes of Justin Fortune, Rob Kaman, Josh Barnett, and Eric Paulson. The Gracie Barra Cerittos team certainly has Sobral on an amazing role and chasing the top spot in the world rankings. 

Sobral rarely speaks in depth about his past successes or missteps. He is typically only focused on his present, using his past losses as learning experiences to grow as a fighter. “Every loss is a disappointment.  I treat them all equally.” However, one of the few moments in his past that he does reflect on is one of the most memorable nights in mixed martial arts history. “IFC’s Global Domination.  Three wins in one night.  Top guys.  It speaks for itself.” The participants in the one night tournament included such names as Forrest Griffin, Jeremy Horn, Chael Sonnen, Trevor Prangley, and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. That evening ‘Babalu’ would endure nine rounds of grueling battle. He would defeat Prangley by decision in his opening round bout. In the second, he would hand ‘Shogun’ his first professional loss by submission. He would win the tournament that night with a victory over Jeremy Horn. That event is still regarded by many as one of the greatest, not only in Sobral’s career, but for the sport as a whole. 

Once the fight is over, ‘Babalu’ quickly returns to the calm and laid back man that he has always been, often forgoing the after-parties for time alone. “After fights I normally just go straight to my room and sleep.” Which is fitting when he tells how he prefers to get away from the daily grind of fighting, “I surf with a waterproof iPod and listen to classical music.” Hopefully, with a win over Gegard Mousasi on August 1, ‘Babalu’ will be hitting the waves early in the afternoon of August 2. 

Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral would like to thank the following people:
Garden Grove Police Department, Polanti Watches, EA Sports MMA, Full Tilt Poker, Gracie Barra Cerritos, all my friends and family, Rob Kaman, Justin Fortune, and my mom.

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Posted at 07-19-2009