Jacaré (photo) cannot accept a fight with Rockhold. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
This Wednesday (18), Ronaldo Jacare He found himself forced to do something that no fighter takes pleasure in doing: turning down the opportunity to fight for the UFC belt. In a statement sent to the press, the Brazilian detailed the circumstances that resulted in his decision and promised that he will return to win the title.
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Alligator cannot accept replacement Chris Weidman in the fight against Luke Rockhold, on June 4, as he was undergoing treatment to correct a knee injury. “I can't let emotion override reason”, commented the fighter.
The Amazonian said he had been feeling pain in his knee since before the fight he had against Vitor belfort at UFC 198, in Curitiba, which he won by technical knockout. “But I still went into battle. I fought well, but I left the octagon limping,” he explained.
Thus, Jacaré had to undergo tests and decided, this Wednesday, that he will undergo arthroscopy on his knee, which prevented him from accepting the commitment. Still, he wished good luck to Michael Bisping, who will fight for the belt, and promised to return healthy to try to take the title home.
Check out the statement from Ronaldo Jacare:
I received an invitation from the UFC to replace the injured man Chris Weidman in the fight for the middleweight category belt (up to 84,1kg) at UFC 199, June 4th, against Luke Rockhold, current division champion. Everyone knows my immense desire to fight for the title and, if possible, this happens in a reunion with Rockhold. However, I cannot let emotion override reason.
When there was a week to go before the fight against Belfort, I felt discomfort in my right knee, but I still went into battle. I fought well, but I left the Octagon limping. On the Monday following the fight, I was evaluated by Dr. Alexandre Campello, who recommended an MRI to better analyze the situation. While waiting for the test results, I learned about Weidman's injury. Therefore, he could only respond to the UFC's invitation when he knew what he had in his knee. On the afternoon of this Wednesday, the 18th, with the results of the resonance, it was decided that I will undergo arthroscopy this Thursday, the 19th, as part of the recovery process from a small injury to the meniscus.
As a result, I am unable to be ready for such an important fight on June 4th. Michael Bisping is the new challenger, and I wish him and Rockhold a great fight. I want to face the winner of this dispute soon, and, regardless of the winner, I will be ready to destroy and be the new champion of the category.
I take this opportunity to thank you for the love I have received from my fans, whether in person or via social media. There are thousands of messages every day, always supportive and congratulating me on the work I have been doing. I'm really glad about it. I would also like to thank the UFC for understanding, and I would also like to say a big thank you to all the members of my team.
See you in the octagon soon!
Ronaldo "Jacaré" Souza
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