(photo via Strikeforce.com)
Newly declared Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (13-2) wants to face all comers at 185 pounds. He is hoping to fight soon and is looking forward to meeting the winner of Strikeforce’s upcoming middleweight tournament.
Souza defeated Tim Kennedy this month at “Strikeforce: Houston” in a five round battle that saw the Brazilian quiet his critics by showing he had the cardio to fight for five rounds. “Jacare” earned a unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) over the former Green Beret.
Kennedy has said he’d like a rematch with Souza, but the middleweight champ wants to face a new opponent before fighting Kennedy again.
“Jacare” was recently interviewed by Strikeforce.com and talked about the title, as well as what’s next.
Now that you have the belt, what’s next for you?
Jacare: Well, I am ready to start defending my belt, and it is up to STRIKEFORCE, [CEO] Scott Coker, and the scale to decide who I will be fighting next. If you make 185 lbs., it’s on (laughs)! All I know is, I will keep training hard and keep evolving in all elements of fighting in MMA.
It was quite a battle with Kennedy. Do you feel he deserves a rematch?
Jacare: Tim Kennedy is a tough fighter, and he deserves another shot at the belt soon, but I would like to fight somebody else first. But once again that is up to Scott Coker to decide.
There are rumors that there will be a middleweight tournament to determine a number-one contender for your belt. What are your thoughts on that?
Jacare: Definitely someone very good will come out on top of this tournament, and it will make a great show [if it happens]. STRIKEFORCE has a lot of great fighters in my division, so I know they will keep me very busy.