Interview: Jacaré praises opponent, but says: 'I see myself as the champion'

R. Jacaré is coming off a victory over T. Boetsch (Photo: Jeff Bottari/UFC)

One of the main victims of the return of Georges St Pierre to the UFC, the Brazilian Ronaldo Jacare guarantees that the inconvenience caused by the Canadian’s “jump in line” is over, as he will face the middleweight champion, Michael Bisping. This Saturday (15), the jiu-jitsu world champion faces Robert whittaker at UFC Kansas and says he has “turned the page” on the matter.

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His focus now is exclusively on Whittaker, a dangerous opponent who could put the Brazilian's plans in jeopardy. Jaca intends to keep fighting until the UFC has no other option than to give him his dream shot at the middleweight world title.

“I see myself as a champion and the champion is always fighting, testing himself. I have no problem fighting all the time, it’s my job”, commented the former Strikeforce champion, in an interview with SUPER FIGHTS.

In the conversation, Jacaré praised Whittaker, assured that the rest and training time between his fights is more than enough, commented on other Brazilians close to the belt and even teased Luke Rockhold, who would have “ran away” from the rematch between the two.

Watch the interview with Ronaldo Jacaré:

SUPER FIGHTS: How did the marriage process of your struggle with the Robert whittaker?
Ronaldo Jacare: In my head, I wanted to face the Luke Rockhold or Yoel romero, that's what I wanted and I told the UFC. But then they offered me this tough guy that is Whittaker and I thought: “let’s go”.

SL: What can you analyze from Whittaker's game? What are his main strengths and weaknesses?
RJ: He is a fast athlete, has very good, complete boxing. His jiu-jitsu is good, because he always trains in a kimono. Whittaker is an athlete on the rise, so I have to be careful, stay tuned. He has the youth, the strength, he's a fast guy for the middleweight division, and his boxing is very aligned.

SL: You said you're in the UFC to fight and not to wait, but does a part of you worry about the risk that a possible defeat could have on your future in the division?
RJ: I see myself as a champion and the champion is always fighting, testing himself. I have no problem always fighting, it's my job. This way, I am working, earning my money and staying active.

SL: Don't you worry about the short gap between your last fight and the next? The duel with Whittaker was announced at the beginning of March…
RJ: It doesn't worry me, no. One cool thing about me is that I get in shape really quickly. I'm sure I'll be 100% physically when I get in there and do my work.

SL: If you win, do you intend to ask for a rematch with Romero, a fight with Rockhold or will you wait for the belt?
RJ: My goal is always the belt, but I know I'll need to have another fight after this. I want a rematch, either with Rockhold, who ran away last time, or with Romero. These are the fights I want.

SL: We can’t help but wonder about GSP’s queue skipping, as he will face Bisping…
RJ: I am 100% focused on the quarry that is Whittaker. What I had to say on this subject has already been said. When I talked about this, I wasn't complaining about GSP or the UFC. Because St. Pierre got in front of Romero. I just complained that this would slow down the entire division. But now I'm turned the corner and 100% focused on the next challenge.

SL: Who do you think wins between Bisping and GSP?
RJ: I don't know. In fact, I don't even want to talk about it...

SL: What do you think of the UFC Kansas main fight, between the Brazilian Wilson reis and the champion Demetrious Johnson?
RJ: O Wilson reis He is a very tough, very good athlete, has won several consecutive victories and has the weapons to stop the champion. It is difficult? It's very difficult, but I believe he comes prepared.

SL: Among the other Brazilians who are close to the UFC belt, who do you think has the best chance?
RJ: Jéssica will be tough, but I think she has the weapons to beat the champion. Demian is arriving, he has a big challenge (Jorge masvidal), but he will pass and fight for the belt. Cigano also has a good chance. We are in a very good time, full of Brazilians who can win the belt.

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