Andre Lima Asks for A Real Bonus After Bizarre Bite Mark Went Viral

Andre Lima’s UFC debut will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary and unusual moments in the company’s history, but he’s ready to move on from it.

In March, Igor Severino was notoriously disqualified for biting Lima during the second round of their UFC Vegas 89 fight.

Shortly after, Lima decided to commemorate the bite mark with a tattoo that read, “I Got F*cking Bit Bonus,” celebrating the $25,000 bonus awarded to him by UFC CEO Dana White for the incident.

White doubled the amount after seeing the tattoo, giving Lima $50,000 on top of his show and win money.

The incident went viral and became a major talking point, with Lima cleverly capitalizing on the attention.

“Mascote” mentioned that he was recognized by fans all week in Las Vegas and gained popularity in his hometown, Guarulhos. However, he now aims to be known for more than just this viral moment.

“I’m very active online and decided to keep posting about it for a few days,” Lima told MMA Fighting ahead of his UFC 302 fight with Mitch Raposo.

“Some videos I did hit 200,000, 300,000 views on Instagram, one hit 1,000,000 views. UFC life is great, man. The tattoo and the bite changed my life. That’s also why I’m on a pay-per-view card, I think. That and my fighting potential.

“Dana White liked my performance on the Contender Series even though I didn’t get the knockout. The fight in the UFC was good up until that point [of the foul], and the bite made it go viral. But I’m not in the UFC because of a bite or a tattoo.

I’m here because I have heavy hands, I’m a good striker, and I will show my potential. This is the perfect opportunity for me to show what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

Initially, Lima was set to fight Hyun Sung Park on June 1. Nyamjargal Tumendemberelm briefly took Park’s place before the fight ultimately went to Raposo, who had held flyweight titles on the regional circuit before stepping in for his UFC debut on short notice.

Lima is pleased with the matchup, noting that Raposo’s fighting style is similar to that of his main sparring partner for UFC 302, so the changes did not significantly affect his preparation.

“I’m a jiu-jitsu black belt, but people will always try to take me down when I start hitting them on the feet,” Lima said. “I think he will try to grapple with me.

I have 82 fights in kickboxing and Muay Thai combined so, I will never choose to do jiu-jitsu in MMA. I’ve proven that in Brazil already. My goal is always to stand and trade. I have some of the best hands in the division, if not the best, and I believe in them.”