Former Strikeforce middleweight champ Ronaldo ‘Jacaré’ Souza (14-3, 1NC) is itching to make his way back into the cage since losing his title to Luke Rockhold last September.
Souza has been inactive as an mma fighter but did participate in last Septembers ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship event in Nottingham, England in a Superfight versus Braulio Esitama, losing via points (3-0).
‘Jacare’ is hoping that he’ll return at the upcoming Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey event on March 3rd, but doesn’t know who he might face at the Columbus, Ohio event.
He recently spoke to Tatame.com about his hopeful return, explaining to them that he feels he deserves a rematch versus Rockhold.
In a thin division, a win over ‘Jacare’ could get him that fight.
Here’s what he had to say in the interview.
When will you fight again?
I’m waiting for a definition of the event to see when I’m fighting next. I’m confident it’ll be on this card (March 3), even because it’s not completed yet. I believe I can fight in this event.
You had a five-round bout in Strikeforce and then fought ADCC. Was it your call to take this time off? If it depended on you, would you have fought in 2012 already?
No… I took some time off because of these fights, even because I had no bout schedules, but I’ve returned to the trainings two weeks ago.
Are your expectations to win one fight and then have a rematch with Luke Rockhold?
Of course, that’s what I want. I want another fight with Rockhold. He’s the champion, he defended his title against Keith Jardine. This was a tough fight and controversy, so I deserve a rematch.
Do you believe you got to do one fight before that one?
I would fight him now, but he’s injured. I asked Strikeforce a fight as soon as possible, it doesn’t matter the opponent. I’m waiting.