Ronaldo Jacare He was one of the highlights of the last decade of middleweights (up to 83,9kg) and, despite being retired from MMA, he continues to keep an eye on the movement in the former category. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS on 'YouTube', the jiu-jitsu legend made a bold prediction for the long-awaited clash between Israel adesanya e Alex Poatán, which are faced in the UFC 281 next Saturday (12).
“He has a great chance of beating Adesanya and I believe he will be champion. Poatan is the favorite, even technically. He's better standing up. What will differentiate is the 'mix' of the two. Mixing martial arts. (…), I think Adesanya could look for a takedown, especially given the track record he had with Poatan, which wasn't very good. He’s an intelligent guy, he can surprise you”, analyzed Jacaré.
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Even though he highlights Poatan's qualities, the Espírito Santo rejects the idea of an advantage over his compatriot simply because he has already won on two occasions during the Kickboxing season. He mentions the possibility of Adesanya becoming more focused and willing to 'get back', this time in MMA.
“It will help the guy who lost, who will be 1000% focused, wanting to prove himself. The guy who lost is the guy most motivated to win, who is most eager to win. I don’t think it hinders, but it helps”, said the Brazilian.
Will return?
Retired from MMA, Ronaldo Jacare He appears to be in a good place with life. In gym management'Ronaldo Jacare BJJ Academy', in Orlando, United States, the former fighter says he always wanted to open a gym and is in another phase in MMA.
“I always wanted to open a gym. I've had the gym open for five weeks and I'm already thinking about expanding. The life of a teacher is rewarding, seeing the evolution of athletes and the joy. It's an extra motivation for us. My phase in MMA is over. I had good phases, I had fun and I also went through bad phases. It was a cool, cool time in my life, but I'm in another phase”, highlighted the Espírito Santo.
Although he is wary of returning to MMA, Jacaré is not staying away from boxing clashes. He also reveals that he even had negotiations to compete in the 'Fight Music Show'.
“We always want to have a fight there, another one here. I would be very interested in doing a boxing match. I said I would fight (Vitor) Belfort, or any other athlete. I had a conversation about fighting in Brazil (Fight Music Show), but who knows next time”, he concluded.
At 42 years old, Ronaldo concluded his career with 37 fights as a professional in MMA. In the sport since 2003, the athlete had 26 wins, 10 losses and one 'no result' duel.
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