Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Jacare Souza has revealed he almost quit MMA for good after suffering a serious psychological problem.
Jacare Souza has opened up about his psychological issues that almost forced his exit from MMA, and also discussed his decision to move up in weight and fight Jan Blachowicz later this year.
Souza (26-7) hasn’t fought since suffering a unanimous decision loss to Jack Hermansson in April. Little was heard from the 39-year-old UFC veteran until it was announced earlier this month he would move up to 205-pounds to face top contender Jan Blachowicz at UFC Sao Paulo in November. Talking to MMA Fighting, Souza explained the state of his mental health in detail.
“I was thinking about stopping (fighting). I had a psychological problem, I was burned out. I would drive to the gym and cry in the car and say, ‘Man, what am I doing going to the gym?’ My wife found a psychologist for me,” Souza said. “I’m working on that once a week, and that has helped me a lot.
“I’m super happy with the opportunity of going back to fighting, I’m happy and excited and training like never before. There are a lot of good things happening in my life. Three months ago, I was crying on my way to the gym, tears would come out of my eyes and I didn’t know why. ‘What am I doing, man? I’ll stop fighting, I don’t want this for my life.’ And all of a sudden things were new again.”
The Brazilian also revealed he didn’t train for three months after his loss to Hermansson. Although he will make the jump to light heavyweight for this fight, Jacare didn’t rule out a return to middleweight in the future as he eyes rematches with Hermansson and Kelvin Gastelum.
“I wanted to get a tough opponent and there was no one available in my weight class, only guys outside the top 10, and all of a sudden the possibility of moving up presented itself. It’s also a way to avoid the stress of cutting weight and trying something different, right? I’ve always fought well against bigger guys.”