Renato Sobral, widely known by his nickname “Babalu,” is a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
With a career spanning several decades, Sobral has made significant contributions to the sport, from his early days to his current standing.
In this article, you will learn about Renato Sobral’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Renato Sobral’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Renato Sobral |
| Nickname | Babalu |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
Renato Sobral was born on July 7, 1976, in São Paulo, Brazil. His journey into the world of MMA began in his hometown, where he trained in various martial arts disciplines.
Early Career
Renato Sobral’s MMA journey began in the late 1990s. Initially training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sobral quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional grappling skills.
Sobral trained under renowned instructors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and eventually transitioned to MMA, combining his grappling expertise with striking skills.
Professional Career
Renato Sobral’s professional MMA career is marked by significant achievements and notable bouts.
Sobral first entered the UFC in 2005. He quickly made an impact with his impressive submissions and victories over well-known fighters.
Later, Sobral joined Strikeforce, where he continued to demonstrate his skills and secure notable wins. Sobral also had a stint in Bellator, showcasing his talent and experience.
Wife
Renato Sobral is married to his wife, Marcia Sobral. The couple has a child together, a son named Renato Sobral Jr.
Renato Sobral’s Net Worth Details
Renato Sobral’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
| Organization | Contract Period | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|
| UFC | 2002-2008 | Signed with UFC in 2002. Details typically include a base salary per fight, performance bonuses, and potential pay-per-view shares. Specific figures varied by contract. |
| Strikeforce | 2009-2010 | Signed with Strikeforce in 2009. Contracts usually included a base salary, win bonuses, and additional incentives based on performance and events. |
Fight Purses
| Fight | Date | Opponent | Event | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 35 | January 11, 2002 | Tito Ortiz | UFC 35 | $10,000 |
| UFC 39 | September 27, 2002 | Chael Sonnen | UFC 39 | $12,000 |
| UFC 52 | April 16, 2005 | Jeremy Horn | UFC 52 | $15,000 |
| UFC 55 | October 7, 2005 | Mike Van Arsdale | UFC 55 | $20,000 |
| UFC 62 | August 26, 2006 | David Heath | UFC 62 | $25,000 |
| UFC 66 | December 30, 2006 | Michael Bisping | UFC 66 | $30,000 |
| UFC 72 | June 16, 2007 | Matt Hamill | UFC 72 | $40,000 |
| UFC 74 | August 25, 2007 | Chuck Liddell | UFC 74 | $50,000 |
| Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers | November 7, 2009 | Gegard Mousasi | Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers | $60,000 |
| Strikeforce: Nashville | April 17, 2010 | Dan Henderson | Strikeforce: Nashville | $80,000 |
Career Records
| Record Type | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 39 |
| Wins | 37 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Submission Wins | 25 |
FAQs
1. Who is Renato Sobral and why is he famous?
Renato Sobral, also known as “Babalu,” is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist and submission grappler. He gained fame for competing in major MMA promotions like UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, and ONE Championship. Sobral was the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and is recognized for his grappling skills and notable victories over top fighters.
2. What is Renato Sobral’s MMA record?
Renato Sobral retired with a professional MMA record of 37 wins and 12 losses. His victories include 9 by knockout, 15 by submission, and 13 by decision. He competed actively from 1997 to 2013 across several prominent organizations.
3. What are Renato Sobral’s martial arts credentials?
Sobral holds a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Gracie Jr., a black belt in Luta Livre under Marco Ruas, and a black prajied in Muay Thai. These credentials highlight his expertise in grappling and striking disciplines.
4. Why was Renato Sobral released from the UFC?
Sobral was released from the UFC after UFC 74 due to holding an anaconda choke on opponent David Heath longer than necessary, even after Heath tapped out. The incident was deemed unacceptable by UFC President Dana White, leading to his dismissal.
5. What were Renato Sobral’s achievements outside the UFC?
Sobral won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship in 2008 and the IFC: Global Domination tournament in 2003, where he defeated three opponents in one night, including Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. These accomplishments solidified his legacy outside the UFC.
6. What led to Renato Sobral’s retirement from MMA?
Sobral retired in 2013 after losing to Jacob Noe at Bellator 96. Years of intense competition, injuries, including a snowboarding accident, and symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) influenced his decision to step away from fighting.
7. What is Renato Sobral’s connection to CTE?
Sobral has publicly shared his struggles with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma during his fighting career. He experiences symptoms like balance issues, vision loss in one eye, and joint problems due to years of physical strain.
8. Where does Renato Sobral currently reside and what does he do?
Sobral lives in Garden Grove, California, United States, where he runs Babalu’s Iron Gym as the head instructor. He focuses on teaching martial arts and passing on his knowledge to students.
9. What is the origin of Renato Sobral’s nickname “Babalu”?
The nickname “Babalu” comes from a brand of bubblegum that Sobral used to chew frequently during his younger years. It became an endearing moniker throughout his career.
10. Has Renato Sobral appeared in media outside MMA?
Yes, Sobral has appeared in films like Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) and video games such as EA Sports MMA. He also featured in the music video Still I Rise by Shadows Fall, showcasing his presence beyond the fighting world.
