Former Strikeforce middleweight champ Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza (14-3, 1NC) will make his return to Showtime when he faces undefeated fighter Derek Brunson (9-0) at the upcoming Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey show this coming March.
Brunson announced the news via Twitter (@derekbrunsonmma) on Thursday night.
– Just signed my March 3 contract to fight Jacare Souza . Columbus Ohio what’s good ! #teamLAYnSLAY #tenandohhh
Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey is expected to take place on March 3, 2012 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio and features a women’s bantamweight title bout between champ Miesha Tate versus undefeated challenger Ronda Rousey.
Souza hasn’t fought since last September when he lost the Strikeforce title to current champ Luke Rockhold after a five round match which had Rockhold winning by unanimous decision. The loss ended a five fight undefeated streak, which had ‘Jacare’ defeat Matt Lindland, Joey Villasenor, Tim Kennedy and Robbie Lawler. Souza beat Kennedy for the title in August 2010.
Brunson is undefeated in his pro-career, and has made three appearances in the Strikeforce cage. His last fight took place in November at the Strikeforce Challengers 20 where he earned a decision over Nate James at the Las Vegas show. Previous wins saw the Division II All-American wrestler defeat Lumumba Sayers at the Fedor vs. Henderson event, and Jeremy Hamilton at the Fodor vs. Terry show in June.