R. Jacaré (photo) has won all three fights since debuting in the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Ronaldo Jacare is already planning his immediate future in the UFC. The Brazilian hopes to win his next fight, against Gegard Mousasi, in August, so he could then challenge the champion of the Ultimate middleweight category.
The fighter has won three consecutive victories since debuting in the UFC last year, beating Chris Camozzi, Yushin Okami and Francis Carmont. In his former organization, Strikeforce, he also had three victories. This record placed Jacaré in fourth position in its category, behind only Anderson Silva, Vitor belfort e Lyoto Machida, who will compete for the title against the champion, Chris Weidman, in July.
In an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”, Jacaré stated that, if he beats Mousasi, he hopes for a chance to fight for the belt. “After this fight, there is no other option. Vitor is next in line, without a doubt, but he has problems with the commission and I, honestly, don't understand what's going on. He still needs to get his license to fight in Nevada, but I'm here. My focus is on Mousasi, and then I will think about what comes next”, he assessed.
The fight will be a rematch of a meeting that took place at the Japanese Dream event, in 2008. On that occasion, Mousasi won by knockout after landing a pedal to the Brazilian. “He got me because it was better. He found an opening and connected the shot. He was better that night and that’s why he beat me”, commented Jacaré.
The Brazilian, however, highlighted his evolution since the fight that took place almost six years ago. “Now, I am more experienced and heavier, and I also have better physical conditioning. And I added more weapons to my game. My striking is better and I have adapted my jiu-jitsu to MMA better. It will be a different fight this time”, he promised.
The fight between Jacaré and Mousasi will be part of the UFC 176 card, which will take place on August 2, in Los Angeles (USA). In the main attraction of the night, José Aldo defends the UFC featherweight belt against Chad Mendes.
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