Headbutts, Soccer Kicks, Groin Strikes, Oh My: Sergio Batarelli and the Legendary IVC

Headbutts, soccer kicks, elbows, even attacks to the genitals: Almost everything was allowed in the International Vale Tudo Championship promoted by Sergio Batarelli between 1997 and 2003. Wanderlei Silva, Dan Severn, Mark Kerr, Jose “Pele” Landi-Jons, Chuck Liddell, Ebenezer Fontes Braga, Mike Van Arsdale and Johil de Oliveira were some of the fighters who participated in the fabled proto-MMA promotion during its original run of 15 events.

In this Sherdog exclusive interview, Batarelli discussed his legendary promotion, including memorable moments like the fight between Wanderlei Silva and Artur Mariano, the moment he returned Sidney Goncalves Freitas’ teeth after Kerr knocked them out, and the curious "allowed genital attack" that decided the final of IVC 1 between Pedro Rizzo and Gary Goodridge.

Batarelli also announced that after over two decades, the show will be back in September. "We will make the 16th edition in Sao Paulo and later on we are planning an edition in the USA. The rules will be exactly the same, except for the rounds, which I'm planning to make shorter than 30 minutes." According to Batarelli there is already a big line of fighters from Brazil, USA, Europe and even China interested in participating in the return event.