Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza may not yet be a household name to casual fans, but that may just be a matter of time.
In addition to his 14-2 record in the sport of MMA, the Brazilian is recognized as one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world. His five world championships put him in the upper echelon of the grappling art.
Since joining the promotion, “Jacare” (Portuguese for alligator) has reeled off four straight victories, including an impressive win over Tim Kennedy last August that earned him the vacant middleweight strap. In that bout, the Brazilian showcased his improved striking to compliment his dangerous ground game.
With UFC parent company Zuffa purchasing the promotion, the team Blackhouse fighter likely has his sights set on moving to the big show and challenging the fighters already there. Let’s see how he stacks up against the top ten middleweights within the UFC.