Renato Sobral kicking Robbie Lawler

Decorated Veteran Has Signed Two Fight Deal

By Kelsey Mowatt

The growing Asian promotion ONE FC has added another accomplished competitor to its ranks, as former Strikeforce champion and UFC contender Renato “Babalu” Sobral has signed a two fight deal with the organization.

Sobral’s attorney and manager Richard Wilner confirmed the deal with FCF today. Although no opponent has been finalized, Sobral is expected to make his ONE FC debut sometime in March.

The 36 year-old veteran hasn’t competed since December, 2010, when he was knocked out by Dan Henderson. The loss came approximately six months after Sobral worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Robbie Lawler.

During his decade plus career, Sobral has scored victories over notable names like Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Chael Sonnen, Jeremy Horn and Maurice Smith among others.

MMA Weekly reported earlier that Sobral had signed with ONE FC, however, the length of the deal was not known. Over the past few months ONE FC has forged partnerships with various promotions, fight camps and companies throughout Asia.

The promotion’s next event is scheduled for February 11^th in Indonesia.