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Ronaldo Souza

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Ronaldo Souza
BornRonaldo Souza dos Santos
(1979-12-07) December 7, 1979 (age 44)
Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil[1]
Other namesJacare
ResidenceOrlando, Florida, United States
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight (2019)[2]
Middleweight (2003–2021)
Reach72 in (183 cm)
StyleBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out ofManaus, Amazonas, Brazil
TeamFusion X-Cel Performance
Rank4th degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (under Henrique Machado)[3][4]
black belt in Judo (under Henrique Machado)[4]
Years active2003–2021
Mixed martial arts record
Total37
Wins26
By knockout8
By submission14
By decision4
Losses10
By knockout4
By submission1
By decision5
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  Brazil
Submission Wrestling
ADCC World Championship
Silver medal – second place 2003 Sao Paulo -88kg
Silver medal – second place 2005 Long Beach Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2005 Long Beach -88kg
Gold medal – first place 2009 Barcelona Superfight
Silver medal – second place 2011 Nottingham Superfight
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Gold medal – first place 2004 Rio de Janeiro Absolute
Silver medal – second place 2004 Rio de Janeiro -88kg
Gold medal – first place 2005 Rio de Janeiro Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2005 Rio de Janeiro -88kg
CBJJO World Jiu-Jitsu Cup
Silver medal – second place 2005 Rio de Janeiro -88 kg
Silver medal – second place 2005 Rio de Janeiro Absolute
Gold medal – first place 2004 Rio de Janeiro -88 kg
Gold medal – first place 2004 Rio de Janeiro Absolute
Pan-American Championship
Gold medal – first place 2004 Florida, USA -88kg
Gold medal – first place 2004 Florida, USA Absolute
European Championship
Gold medal – first place 2005 Lisbon, Portugal -88kg
Silver medal – second place 2005 Lisbon, Portugal −Absolute
Brazilian Championship
Gold medal – first place 2004 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil −88kg

Ronaldo Souza dos Santos[1] (born December 7, 1979), nicknamed "Jacare" (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʒakaˈɾɛ]), is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist, submission grappler and 4th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Souza was a multiple time BJJ World champion in coloured belts before becoming a two-time black belt World Champion, ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion, CBJJO World Cup Champion, Brazilian National Champion and European Open Champion. He was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class due to his achievements in the sport.[5]

Souza transitioned to MMA in 2003, competing for UFC from 2013 to 2021. A highly regarded grappler on the world stage, Souza is a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, and has also formerly competed for DREAM and Jungle Fight.

Background

[edit]

Souza was born in Vila Velha, Brazil, into a cafuzo family and was raised in Cariacica, Brazil. Souza had a rough upbringing, and on the day he turned 15, he saw one of his good friends get shot to death. After this event, Souza's mother moved him to Manaus to go and live with his brother and he started training in Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu when he was 17. He is an eight-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, including gold medals in the Openweight class in 2003, 2004 and 2005. His other credentials include the 2005 77–87 kg ADCC Champion and the 2005 ADCC Absolute Division runner-up, only losing to Roger Gracie who outweighed him by approximately 25 lbs. Along with Roger Gracie and Marcelo Garcia, Souza is widely considered to be among the greatest BJJ practitioners of his time.

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Souza made his mixed martial arts debut on September 9, 2003, at Jungle Fight's inaugural event where he lost to Jorge "Macaco" Patino by KO at 3:13 into the first round. He returned to mixed martial arts eight months later at Jungle Fight 2 securing a submission win over Victor Babkir under a minute into the first round. His next fight was in April 2006 at Jungle Fight 6 where he got his second win, defeating Alexander Shlemenko by an arm triangle choke submission. He went on to fight twice before the end of 2006, winning both fights by submission during the first round.

In 2006, Souza fought and drew with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture in a grappling contest.[6] After the match Souza was invited by Couture to train at his gym. Souza accepted and started training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.[7] Souza's first fight of 2007 was on May 19 with him scoring a submission win due to strikes over veteran Bill Vucick at Gracie Fighting Championships: Evolution. He would next fight twice within a two-week period on September 29 and October 13, scoring two submission wins both within the first round.

DREAM

[edit]

In 2008, Souza signed with Japanese MMA-promotion DREAM and was scheduled to participate in the 2008 DREAM Middleweight Grand-Prix. In the first round of the tournament, at DREAM 2 on April 29, 2008, he defeated Ian Murphy by a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[8][9] This secured him a place in the quarter-finals which took place at DREAM 4 on June 15 where he fought former ICON Sport Middleweight Champion Jason "Mayhem" Miller. The fight went the distance with Souza continuously going for submissions with Miller escaping multiple rear-naked choke, leglock and armbar-attempts while mounting his own offense on the feet. Souza was awarded a unanimous decision victory which secured him a place in the semi-final of the Middleweight Grand-Prix.[10]

In the semi-finals which took place at DREAM 6 on September 23, Souza defeated Zelg Galesic early in the first round by armbar submission. The victory earned him a place in the finals of the tournament and a shot at the DREAM Middleweight Championship against Gegard Mousasi that same night. In the fight Souza was knocked out early in the first round by an upkick as he attempted to dive past Mousasi's guard to land a strike of his own. After participating in the tournament, Souza left Xtreme Couture and went to San Diego to train with Saulo and Xande Ribeiro, before leaving to train with Anderson Silva and André Galvão in preparation for Silva's upcoming bout with Thales Leites at UFC 97 at Black House.[11]

Souza fought in the DREAM Middleweight Championship in a rematch with Jason Miller at DREAM 9 after Gegard Mousasi vacated the title when moving up to Light Heavyweight. The fight was called a no contest due to an illegal kick to the head that opened up a gash on Souza's head.[12]

Strikeforce

[edit]

Souza made his Strikeforce debut on December 19, 2009, at Strikeforce: Evolution with a first-round submission win over Matt Lindland, via arm-triangle choke. In this fight, Souza showed a major improvement in his stand up game and striking. Souza faced Joey Villaseñor on May 15, 2010, at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery.[13] He won the fight via unanimous decision,[14] dominating the first round, being very aggressive, achieving the mount position and almost achieving the submission, but slowed down on the 2nd and 3rd round.[15]

Souza fought Tim Kennedy on August 21, 2010, at Strikeforce: Houston for the vacant Strikeforce Middleweight Championship, and won via unanimous decision.[16] Souza then defended the belt for the first time against Robbie Lawler, on January 29, 2011, at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg.[14]

In his second defense, Souza lost his Middleweight Championship against American Kickboxing Academy fighter Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision (50–45, 48–47, and 48–47).[17]

On March 3, 2012, Souza made his sixth Strikeforce appearance against late replacement Bristol Marunde. Souza won via arm-triangle choke, submitting Marunde at 2:43 of the final round.[18]

On August 18, 2012, Souza faced Derek Brunson in his seventh Strikeforce appearance. Souza dropped Brunson early with a counter right hand which planted Brunson on the mat and landed three ground strikes, knocking out Brunson in just 41 seconds.

Souza faced UFC veteran Ed Herman at the final Strikeforce card, Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine, on January 12, 2013.[19] He won via submission in the first round.[14]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

2013

[edit]

Souza signed a five-fight deal with the UFC in January 2013.[20]

Souza was expected to make his promotional debut against Costas Philippou on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8.[21] Philippou pulled out of the bout in early May, citing a cut above his eye, and was replaced by Chris Camozzi.[22][23] Souza arm-triangle choked Camozzi unconscious in the first round.[24]

Souza next knocked out Yushin Okami in the first round on September 4, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 28.[25]

2014

[edit]

Souza beat Francis Carmont by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27) on February 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 36.[26] After, he said he was injured during his training camp and would require a minimum of six weeks for recovery.[27]

Souza was expected to rematch Gegard Mousasi on August 2, 2014, at UFC 176.[28] When the event was cancelled, the bout was rescheduled for September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[29] Souza won via submission in the third round, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[30][31]

2015

[edit]

Souza was expected to face Yoel Romero on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.[32] Souza pulled out of the fight on January 15, due to pneumonia. The bout was rescheduled for April 18, 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.[33] Romero pulled out of the fight a week before the event, citing a ligament and meniscus tear in his knee.[34] Souza instead rematched returning veteran Chris Camozzi, submitting him with a first-round armbar.[35]

The bout with Romero was scheduled for a third time, eventually taking place on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.[36] Souza lost the bout via split decision.[37] 12 of 17 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Souza, and 3 of 17 scored it a draw.[38]

2016

[edit]

Souza faced Vitor Belfort on May 14, 2016, at UFC 198.[39] He won the fight via TKO in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[40][41]

Souza was expected to face Luke Rockhold in a rematch on November 27, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 101.[42] However, the pairing was cancelled on November 1, 2016, after Rockhold was ruled out of the contest after sustaining an undisclosed injury. As a result, Souza was removed from the card as well.[43]

2017

[edit]

Souza faced Tim Boetsch on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208.[44] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[45] The win also earned Souza his third Performance of the Night bonus award.[46]

Souza fought Robert Whittaker on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[47] He lost by second-round TKO.[48] During the event weekend, Souza signed a new, eight-fight deal with UFC.[49]

2018

[edit]

A rematch with Derek Brunson took place on January 27, 2018, in the main event at UFC on Fox 27.[50] Souza won the fight via TKO in the first round.[51] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.[52]

Souza faced Kelvin Gastelum on May 12, 2018, at UFC 224.[53] He lost the fight via split decision.[54] The fight also received Fight of the Night honors.[55]

Souza was expected to face David Branch on November 3, 2018, at UFC 230.[56] However, on October 19, 2018, It was reported that Souza replaced injured Luke Rockhold to face Chris Weidman in the event.[57] He won the fight via knockout in the third round.[58] Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.[59]

2019

[edit]

Souza was scheduled to face Yoel Romero on April 27, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3.[60][61] However, it was reported in early April that Romero pulled out of the bout due to illness.[62] Souza remained on the card and faced Jack Hermansson in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson.[63] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[64]

Souza moved up to the Light Heavyweight division and faced Jan Błachowicz on November 16, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 164.[2] He would lose the fight by split decision.[65]

2020

[edit]

Souza was scheduled to face Uriah Hall for a middleweight bout on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.[66] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed[67] and the bout and event were rescheduled for May 9, 2020.[68] On May 8, Souza had to withdraw from the fight after testing positive for COVID-19.[69]

Souza was expected to face Marvin Vettori on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256.[70] However, the bout was scrapped when it was revealed Vettori would be serving as a late replacement to face Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN 19 and Souza instead faced Kevin Holland.[71] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[72]

2021

[edit]

Souza faced André Muniz on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262.[73] He lost the fight via technical submission in the first round after his arm snapped while trapped in an armbar.[74] Souza underwent surgery to repair his right humerus.[75] The bout was the last of his prevailing contract, making him a free agent after the organization did not re-sign Souza.[76][77]

On August 10, 2021, Souza announced that he was retiring from MMA, hinting at a return to BJJ.[78][79]

Boxing career

[edit]

Souza was booked to compete in his boxing debut against fellow MMA veteran Vitor Belfort at Gamebred Boxing 4 on April 1, 2023.[80] He lost the fight by unanimous decision with scores of 58–54, 58–54, and 57–55.[81]

Personal life

[edit]

Souza and his wife, Larissa Carvalho, have three children.[82]

On October 8, 2020, Souza revealed the plans to start his own BJJ Academy in Orlando, Florida.[83] In 2022, he expressed plans for a debut in boxing.[84]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling

[edit]

Main Achievements (Black Belt):[1]

  • ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship:
    • ADCC 2011 Superfight Runner-up (against Braulio Estima)
    • ADCC 2009 Superfight Champion (against Robert Drysdale)
    • ADCC 2005 77 – 87 kg: 1st Place
    • ADCC 2005 Openweight: 2nd Place
    • ADCC 2003 77 – 87 kg: 2nd Place
    • ADCC 2003 Brazilian Qualifiers 77 – 87 kg: 1st Place
  • IBJJF World Championship:
    • 2005 Black Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place
    • 2005 Black Belt Open Weight: 1st Place
    • 2004 Black Belt Medium Heavy: 2nd Place
    • 2004 Black Belt Open Weight: 1st Place
  • CBJJO World Cup:
    • 2005 Black belt: 2nd place
    • 2004 Black belt: 1st place
  • IBJJF Pan American Championship:
    • 2004 Black Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place
    • 2004 Black Belt Open Weight: 1st Place
  • IBJJF European Open Championship:
    • 2005 Black Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place
    • 2005 Black Belt Open Weight: 2nd Place

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):[1]

  • IBJJF World Championship:
    • 2003 Brown Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place
    • 2003 Brown Belt Open Weight: 1st Place
    • 2002 Brown Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place
    • 2002 Brown Belt Open Weight: 2nd Place
    • 2001 Purple Belt Middle: 1st Place
    • 2001 Purple Belt Open Weight: 1st Place
  • CBJJ Brazilian National Championship:
    • 2004 Brown Belt Medium Heavy: 1st Place

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
37 matches 26 wins 10 losses
By knockout 8 4
By submission 14 1
By decision 4 5
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 26–10 (1) André Muniz Technical Submission (armbar) UFC 262 15 May 2021 1 3:59 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 26–9 (1) Kevin Holland KO (punches) UFC 256 12 December 2020 1 1:45 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 26–8 (1) Jan Błachowicz Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Jacaré 16 November 2019 5 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil Light Heavyweight debut.
Loss 26–7 (1) Jack Hermansson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson 27 April 2019 5 5:00 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win 26–6 (1) Chris Weidman KO (punches) UFC 230 3 November 2018 3 2:46 New York City, New York, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 25–6 (1) Kelvin Gastelum Decision (split) UFC 224 12 May 2018 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fight of the Night.
Win 25–5 (1) Derek Brunson KO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 27 January 2018 1 3:50 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 24–5 (1) Robert Whittaker TKO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis 15 April 2017 2 3:28 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 24–4 (1) Tim Boetsch Submission (kimura) UFC 208 11 February 2017 1 3:41 Brooklyn, New York, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 23–4 (1) Vitor Belfort TKO (punches) UFC 198 14 May 2016 1 4:38 Curitiba, Brazil Performance of the Night.
Loss 22–4 (1) Yoel Romero Decision (split) UFC 194 12 December 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 22–3 (1) Chris Camozzi Submission (armbar) UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold 18 April 2015 1 2:33 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 21–3 (1) Gegard Mousasi Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Mousasi 5 September 2014 3 4:30 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 20–3 (1) Francis Carmont Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi 15 February 2014 3 5:00 Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil
Win 19–3 (1) Yushin Okami TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Bader 4 September 2013 1 2:47 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Win 18–3 (1) Chris Camozzi Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold 18 May 2013 1 3:37 Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil Submission of the Night.
Win 17–3 (1) Ed Herman Submission (kimura) Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine 12 January 2013 1 3:10 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (194 lb) bout.
Win 16–3 (1) Derek Brunson KO (punches) Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman 18 August 2012 1 0:41 San Diego, California, United States
Win 15–3 (1) Bristol Marunde Submission (arm-triangle choke) Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey 3 March 2012 3 2:43 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 14–3 (1) Luke Rockhold Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov 10 September 2011 5 5:00 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Lost the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.
Win 14–2 (1) Robbie Lawler Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg 29 January 2011 3 2:00 San Jose, California, United States Defended the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.
Win 13–2 (1) Tim Kennedy Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Houston 21 August 2010 5 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Won the vacant Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.
Win 12–2 (1) Joey Villaseñor Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery 15 May 2010 3 5:00 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win 11–2 (1) Matt Lindland Submission (arm-triangle choke) Strikeforce: Evolution 19 December 2009 1 4:18 San Jose, California, United States
NC 10–2 (1) Jason Miller NC (cut) DREAM 9 26 May 2009 1 2:33 Yokohama, Japan For the vacant DREAM Middleweight Championship.
Loss 10–2 Gegard Mousasi KO (upkick) Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round 23 September 2008 1 2:15 Saitama, Japan For the vacant DREAM Middleweight Championship.
Win 10–1 Zelg Galešić Submission (armbar) Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round 23 September 2008 1 1:27 Saitama, Japan
Win 9–1 Jason Miller Decision (unanimous) Dream 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round 15 June 2008 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 8–1 Ian Murphy Submission (rear-naked choke) Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round 29 April 2008 1 3:37 Saitama, Japan
Win 7–1 Wendell Santos TKO (submission to punches) Hero's The Jungle 13 October 2007 1 1:40 Manaus, Brazil
Win 6–1 José de Ribamar Submission (armbar) Amazon Challenge 29 September 2007 1 3:28 Manaus, Brazil
Win 5–1 Bill Vucick TKO (submission to punches) Gracie Fighting Championships: Evolution 19 May 2007 1 3:01 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 4–1 Haim Gozali Submission (rear-naked choke) Jungle Fight Europe 17 December 2006 1 1:34 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Win 3–1 Alexey Prokofiev Submission (triangle choke) Fury Fighting Championship 1 27 September 2006 1 2:30 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 2–1 Alexander Shlemenko Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) Jungle Fight 6 29 April 2006 1 2:10 Manaus, Brazil
Win 1–1 Victor Babkir TKO (submission to punches) Jungle Fight 2 15 May 2004 1 0:56 Manaus, Brazil
Loss 0–1 Jorge Patino KO (punch) Jungle Fight 1 13 September 2003 1 3:13 Manaus, Brazil

[86]

Boxing record

[edit]
1 fight 0 wins 1 loss
By decision 0 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Loss 0–1 Vitor Belfort UD 6 1 Apr 2023 Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ a b "Souza to headline against Blachowicz, White says". ESPN. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  3. ^ Averi Clements (12 December 2019). "Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza Earns 4th Degree Black Belt Certificate At No-Gi Worlds". jiujitsutimes.com.
  4. ^ a b T.P. Grant (4 September 2014). "BJJ Fact Grinder: Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza". Bloody Elbow.
  5. ^ Rogers, Kian (27 December 2023). "Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza Added To ADCC Hall Of Fame For 2024". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  6. ^ Gross, Josh (18 November 2006). "Couture Draws with "Jacaré" and Garcia Wins Again". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
  7. ^ Martin, Denis. "BJJ Phenom 'Jacaré' Set for Toughest Test to Date". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
  8. ^ Sherdog.com (29 April 2008). "Success for Sakuraba in Saitama". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 February 2009.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ Nowe, Jason. "Aoki Bests 'JZ,' Middleweights Advance". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 February 2009.[permanent dead link]
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  11. ^ Alonso, Marcelo (27 February 2009). "Jacaré, Galvão Training Silva for Leites". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
  12. ^ "2009年5月26日(火)OLYMPIA DREAM.9 フェザー級グランプリ2009 2ndROUND 横浜アリーナ".
  13. ^ "Randleman vs. Gracie, Villasenor vs. "Jacare" official for May 15 Strikeforce event". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 26 April 2010.
  14. ^ a b c "Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza Official MMA Record - Sherdog.com". sherdog.com. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  15. ^ Robert Rousseau. "Ronaldo Jacare Souza Defeats Joey Villasenor By Unanimous Decision". martialarts.about.com. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
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  18. ^ Fontanez, Erik (3 March 2012). "Strikeforce Tate vs. Rousey Results: 'Jacare' Souza Wins With Late Sub". MMAWeekly.com.
  19. ^ "STRIKEFORCE® MARQUARDT VS. SAFFIEDINE". strikeforce.com. 30 November 2012.
  20. ^ "Souza signed in UFC and is expected to do very well". 6 January 2013.
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  22. ^ Ariel Helwani (3 May 2013). "Injury forces Costa Philippou out of 'Jacare' Souza fight at UFC on FX 8". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  23. ^ Staff (3 May 2013). "Chris Camozzi ersätter mot 'Jacare', Natal möter nu nykomlingen Joao Zeferino". mmanytt.se. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  24. ^ "UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold". sherdog.com. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  25. ^ Mike Bohn (23 June 2013). "Yushin Okami vs. Ronaldo Souza in the works for UFC on FOX Sports 1 #3". mmamania.com. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  26. ^ Guilherme Cruz (19 November 2013). "'Jacare' Souza vs. Francis Carmont added to UFC Fight Night card in Brazil". MMAfighting.com.
  27. ^ Foster, Jack. "Jacare Souza Injured-Out At Least 6 Weeks". Archived from the original on 24 November 2015.
  28. ^ Matt Erickson (18 June 2014). "UFC 176 co-main event set with Gegard Mousasi vs. 'Jacare' Souza". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  29. ^ Staff (9 July 2014). "Dana White says Gegard Mousasi vs. Jacare Souza will take place at UFC Fight Night 50". themmareport.com. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  30. ^ John Morgan (5 September 2014). "UFC Fight Night 50 results: Ronaldo Souza dominates Gegard Mousasi, earns third-round tap". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  31. ^ "UUFC Fight Night 50 bonuses: Lauzon, Chiesa, Souza and Rothwell win $50,000". MMAjunkie.com. 6 September 2014.
  32. ^ Brian Martin (13 November 2014). "UFC 184: Jacare Souza vs. Yoel Romero added to Staples Center card". dailynews.com. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  33. ^ Matt Erickson (11 February 2015). "Yoel Romero vs. 'Jacare' Souza re-booked for UFC on FOX 15 co-main event". MMAjunkie.com.
  34. ^ Matt Erickson (11 April 2015). "Yoel Romero hurt, Chris Camozzi returns to rematch 'Jacare' Souza at UFC on FOX 15". MMAjunkie.com.
  35. ^ Dave Doyle (18 April 2015). "UFC on FOX 15 results: 'Jacare' Souza makes short work of Chris Camozzi". MMAfighting.com.
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  37. ^ Bren Brookhouse (12 December 2015). "UFC 194 results: Yoel Romero decisions Ronaldo Souza in back-and-forth battle". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
  38. ^ "Yoel Romero def. Ronaldo Souza". MMA Decisions. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
  39. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (19 January 2016). "Vitor Belfort vs. Jacare Souza announced for UFC event in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  40. ^ Ben Fowlkes (14 May 2016). "UFC 198 results: 'Jacare' Souza makes easy work of Vitor Belfort for first-round TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  41. ^ Tristen Critchfield (14 May 2016). "UFC 198 bonuses: Miocic, 'Jacare,' Trinaldo, Medeiros take home $50K". sherdog.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  42. ^ Staff (11 September 2016). "Luke Rockhold and 'Jacare' Souza set to rematch at UFC Fight Night 101". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  43. ^ Ariel Helwani (1 November 2016). "Luke Rockhold vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza rematch canceled". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  44. ^ Mark La Monica (6 January 2016). "UFC 208 in Brooklyn adds Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza vs. Tim Boetsch". newsday.com. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  45. ^ Steven Marrocco (11 February 2017). "UFC 208 results: 'Jacare' Souza gets night's first stoppage, taps Tim Boetsch with kimura". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
  46. ^ Staff (12 February 2017). "UFC 208 bonuses: With the only finish on the card, naturally 'Jacare' Souza got an extra $50,000". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
  47. ^ Guilherme Cruz (4 March 2017). ""Jacare" Souza vs. Robert Whittaker set for UFC on FOX 24". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  48. ^ Damon Martin (16 April 2017). "Robert Whittaker stuns 'Jacare' Souza with brutal second-round TKO". foxsports.com. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  49. ^ Guilherme Cruz (14 April 2017). "Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza signs eight-fight deal with the UFC". mmafighting.com.
  50. ^ Staff (29 November 2017). "Derek Brunson vs. 'Jacare' slotted for Charlotte's UFC on FOX 27 headliner". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  51. ^ "UFC on FOX 27 results: 'Jacare' Souza takes out Derek Brunson after head kick in first". MMAjunkie. 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
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[edit]
Vacant
Title last held by
Jake Shields
4th Strikeforce Middleweight Champion
August 21, 2010 – September 10, 2011
Succeeded by