An Unforgettable First Impression
Andre Lima’s debut at UFC Vegas 89 was truly memorable. In his first fight against Igor Severino, Severino became known for biting Lima in the second round, leading to his removal from the match. The event gained global attention and transformed Lima into an instant celebrity.
From a simple bite to getting a tattoo
After the strange occurrence, UFC CEO Dana White presented Lima with a $25,000 bonus. Nonetheless, Lima’s tale didn’t conclude at that point. He made a daring choice to get a tattoo of the bite mark and the words “I Got F*cking Bit Bonus” on his body, transforming the incident into a permanent reminder. Lima’s dedication left White so amazed that he decided to double the bonus, giving him a grand total of $50,000.
Taking advantage of the chance.
The sudden popularity generated by the bite and tattoo quickly brought Lima into the public eye. He rapidly earned support from audiences, both in Las Vegas and his hometown of Guarulhos. Although Lima is grateful for the recognition, he is committed to demonstrating that he is more than just a gimmick.
Andre Lima wants real bonus at UFC 302 after $50,000 check for bizarre bite, tattoo in debut https://t.co/T1M9l2Iean
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 31, 2024
Concentrating on the Ability to Fight
Before his upcoming bout with Mitch Raposo at UFC 302, Lima is excited to display his fighting abilities. Regardless of the notoriety from the bite incident, Lima is confident that he deserves a spot in the UFC based on his skills in the ring, rather than just for his viral moment.
Accepting the challenge
Even though Lima’s opponent has changed before the fight, he remains steadfast in his concentration on the task ahead. He refuses to be distracted by the late switch and is instead laser-focused on his preparation and strategy. Lima views Raposo as having a comparable fighting technique to his primary sparring partner, which he believes minimizes the impact of any last-minute changes.
This perspective allows him to maintain his confidence and composure, knowing that his training has equipped him well for this challenge. He is ready to adapt and overcome, using his skills and experience to navigate any surprises Raposo might bring to the Octagon.
Upright and proud
With 82 fights in kickboxing and Muay Thai, Lima is an experienced practitioner who has confidence in his striking skills. Despite recognizing his skill in jiu-jitsu, his main focus is still on engaging in stand-up fights with his opponents to demonstrate his remarkable striking abilities.
As Lima gets ready to enter the Octagon for another fight, he is more determined than ever to move past the spectacle of his first appearance and concentrate on his fighting journey. With intense focus and unwavering resolve, Lima is dedicated to winning UFC 302 to truly showcase his full potential as a UFC fighter.
He aims to demonstrate his skill, strategy, and heart inside the cage, leaving no doubt about his capabilities. This fight is not just about a victory; it is about cementing his place in the promotion and proving to himself and the world that he belongs among the elite fighters of the UFC.