‘Jacare’ Souza Wants A Shot At The Title If He Gets Past Gegard Mousasi
Currently riding an impressive three-fight winning streak, former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza will look to make it 4-0 inside the Octagon at UFN 50 when he faces “The Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi in a rematch from their clash in 2008.
The two first fought in the finale of Dream’s middleweight Grand Prix where Mousasi emerged victorious after downing the Brazilian with a deadly upkick as Souza was trying to jump into his guard. But, don’t think that means “Jacare” isn’t confident heading into the bout this time around.
Speaking to Combate.com, Souza said he considers Mousasi to be just like every other opponent who he has faced and he is ready to annihilate him. If that happens he plans on campaigning for a title shot:
“Fighting him again it’s like just another fight. I’m ready to annihilate my opponent and have another victory in the UFC. I’m going to stop Mousasi. I’ve come to be undefeated in the UFC to loose for nobody. People have to keep believing in me because I’m going to be the champion of this division. But first I have to beat Mousasi to ask for something and after this fight I’ll ask for a title shot.”
Since his loss to Mousasi, Souza has gone 10-1 (1) in the middleweight division with his only loss in that time coming against fellow contender Luke Rockhold. Meanwhile “The Dreamcatcher” went on to submit heavyweight contender Mark Hunt before winning the Strikeforce light-heavyweight title which he eventually lost to Muhammed Lawal.
Mousasi is now 7-1-1 in his last eight bouts after dropping a decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC Fight Night 36. A win over Souza would propel him back into contender status but it’s unlikely that it will be enough to give him a crack at the title.
“Jacare” on the other hand has it all to lose. A win should be enough to give him the next title shot. However, a second setback to Mousasi will guarantee he doesn’t compete for the championship anytime soon.
Who do you think will emerge victorious when the two eventually meet again?
