The Nevada State Athletic Commission has rejected a six-month suspension for Igor da Silva for biting opponent Andre Lima at UFC on ESPN 53 on March 23rd.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Matthew Feely proposed a sentencing agreement for da Silva, also known as Igor Severino, that would result in a six-month suspension and a fine of more than $3,000. Mr Feeley’s reasoning was that the incident had no real precedent, other than when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield during a boxing match in 1997. Mr. Feeley pointed out that the Tyson case, which resulted in a $3 million fine and license revocation, was more serious than Mr. Tyson’s case. Mr. Silva.
However, NSAC Commissioner Anthony Marnell expressed concern about the precedent a relatively short suspension could set in the future, especially since da Silva could potentially sign with another MMA promotion.
“The bigger issue is the precedent we’re going to set going forward if something like this happens again. We’re stuck in six months,” Commissioner Anthony Marnell said during the hearing. “That’s incredibly dangerous for this committee. That’s my opinion.”
Da Silva, who is currently on temporary suspension, will face a second disciplinary hearing on May 31st. At Tuesday’s meeting, it was recommended that the Brazilian’s sanctions be extended for at least another year, but nothing has been finalized at this time. .
Da Silva was released by the UFC after a bite that occurred at 2:52 of the second round left visible marks on Lima’s arm. Silva, now 21, began his pro career with eight straight wins and earned a UFC contract in September 2023 on Dana White’s Contender Series.
