Strikeforce middleweight champ Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza (14-2, 1NC)successfully defended his belt last month against Robbie Lawler at the Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg event, it was his first title defense.
Now training partner Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante prepares to defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight title for the first time when he meets former PRIDE champ Dan Henderson next weekend in Columbus, Ohio. It will also be the first title defense for “Feijão” who defeated Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal for the belt last summer.
Speaking to Tatame.com, “Jacaré” was asked his thoughts on Cavalcante’s first title defense, having just come off his own, and his thoughts on how the fight would finish against Henderson.
Do you think this fight will last five rounds or be finished before that?
I think Rafael will finish this fight first.Do you bet on a KO or on a submission?
Well, I don’t know… The guys didn’t have the opportunity to see Feijao fighting on the ground yet. He’s great there, he’s tough for anyone. I bet on him, but honestly I don’t know. Dan Henderson is a tough guy, he’ll try to take Rafael down and we’ll be able to see Feijao playing on the floor. Feijao is excellent standing up and on the floor. He has a really heavy hand… I also call Feijao by Shark, because once he smells blood, he goes for it and finished the fight. The guy got a little dizzy, he goes there and finish the fight, he won’t let the guy go until he define his offense. He should be called the Shark (laughs).
Souza is anxiously waiting for news of his next opponent and is ready to return to the cage anytime Strikeforce calls.