Luke Rockhold vs. Jacare Souza 2 headlines UFC Melbourne

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will face Ronaldo Souza in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Melbourne, Australia.

Luke Rockhold’s path to recapturing the UFC middleweight title will be against the guy he defeated to become the Strikeforce champion. UFC officials confirmed on Sunday that Rockhold will rematch Jacare Souza in the main event of UFC Fight Night 101 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

Rockhold (15-3) has not competed since his stunning 1st round knockout loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 199. His first title defense was supposed to be against the man he emphatically took it from, Chris Weidman, before he withdrew due to injury. Rockhold had beaten Bisping once before, but Bisping stepped in on short notice and pulled off the upset. Recently, Rockhold was vocal about his pay, and said, “When the money is right, I’ll be ready to fight.” I suppose the money is right, and he’s now ready to fight.

Jacare (23-4, 1 NC) could’ve fought Rockhold at 199 in place of Weidman, but a knee problem prevented him from taking the fight. His last outing was a 1st round mauling of Vitor Belfort at UFC 198. The 36-year-old Brazilian has lost just once in his UFC career, a split decision to Yoel Romero at UFC 194. Souza lost his Strikeforce title by unanimous decision to Rockhold on September 10th, 2011, which is his only other defeat in the past 7 years.

UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Jacare 2 will air live on FS1. The card will be on November 27th in Australia, but due to time zone difference, it will be shown in North America on Saturday, November 26th.

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will face Ronaldo Souza in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Melbourne, Australia.

Luke Rockhold’s path to recapturing the UFC middleweight title will be against the guy he defeated to become the Strikeforce champion. UFC officials confirmed on Sunday that Rockhold will rematch Jacare Souza in the main event of UFC Fight Night 101 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

Rockhold (15-3) has not competed since his stunning 1st round knockout loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 199. His first title defense was supposed to be against the man he emphatically took it from, Chris Weidman, before he withdrew due to injury. Rockhold had beaten Bisping once before, but Bisping stepped in on short notice and pulled off the upset. Recently, Rockhold was vocal about his pay, and said, “When the money is right, I’ll be ready to fight.” I suppose the money is right, and he’s now ready to fight.

Jacare (23-4, 1 NC) could’ve fought Rockhold at 199 in place of Weidman, but a knee problem prevented him from taking the fight. His last outing was a 1st round mauling of Vitor Belfort at UFC 198. The 36-year-old Brazilian has lost just once in his UFC career, a split decision to Yoel Romero at UFC 194. Souza lost his Strikeforce title by unanimous decision to Rockhold on September 10th, 2011, which is his only other defeat in the past 7 years.

UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Jacare 2 will air live on FS1. The card will be on November 27th in Australia, but due to time zone difference, it will be shown in North America on Saturday, November 26th.