One of the biggest Brazilian representatives in the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg.) in recent years, Ronaldo Jacare is close to his return to the octagon after more than a year. Recovered from Covid-19, the fighter will face Kevin holland No. UFC 256, in Las Vegas (USA), on December 12th. Excited about the commitment, the Amazonian spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel about expectations for the duel.
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Without performing since November last year, when he drew with Jan Blachowicz In his test in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg), Jacaré chose to return to the category in which he experienced the best moments of his career. Initially, the Brazilian would face Marvin vettori, on the penultimate card of the year. However, the UFC was forced to make a move and change Ronaldo's opponent to that of Jack hermansson, who tested positive for Covid-19.
Change of rival
With the change in opponent, Jacaré had to adapt some changes to his fight strategy. The athlete then spoke about how he reacted when he found out that he would not face Vettori, but rather Holland. The athlete also made a revelation, claiming that the first name considered was Hermansson, his last tormentor.
"The Jack hermansson he didn't accept the rematch with me and ended up accepting Vettori. Then, Hemansson's opponent was left for me. In a way, I'm going to work, stay active and come back”, revealed the Amazonian.
Problems with the change
Although he is confident in his preparation, Jacaré admits that a change of this level and so soon before the confrontation could change the conduct of the duel. The Brazilian then makes it clear that his strategy will soon fall apart when it comes to the opponent's base.
“It changes a lot. One is right-handed, the other is left-handed, but I'm ready. I made one camp (training) very hard. I completely stepped out of my comfort zone. I brought guys in to really beat me in practice. I feel good and I’m ready to fight,” said Ronaldo.
Downtime
You can see the excitement on Ronaldo's face when it comes to returning to the Octagon. Used to remaining active within the company, the fighter should have made his return to the company in May, but ended up leaving the event after testing positive for Covid-19. The fighter then evaluated the period of absence, but assured that he had not been idle in the last 12 months.
“The time I caught Covid-19 it was like I had fought. I made the weight, I did all the work, I did the camp. There's no way, I did the hardest part of the work. Physically, I don’t feel like I’m out of action for so long,” she said.
Expectations to face Holland
On the 12th, Jacaré will face an opponent who is going through a great phase in his career. Holland has won his last four commitments and is only going to his fifth appearance in 2020. The Brazilian then evaluated the marriage of styles and pointed out the positive and negative points of his opponent.
"He has one striking (standing fight) very good. It is very long, this can complicate things. But I'm very strong physically, I have very good wrestling. Another thing, I'm ready. It will be difficult for anyone to stop me the way I am now”, he concluded.
At 40 years old, Jacaré is heading towards his 36th appearance as a professional in the sport. Multi-time jiu-jitsu champion and former leader of the Strikeforce middleweight division, the Brazilian currently has 26 triumphs, eight setbacks and one fight without result. Holland, 28, has 20 positive results in 25 MMA commitments.
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