Ronaldo Souza Pummels Vitor Belfort, Says ‘I’ll Finish Luke Rockhold’
Two Brazilian middleweights fought each other in Curitiba at UFC 198 to make a case as title contender. The two combatants were former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort (25-12) and former Strikeforce middleweight title holder Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (23-4, 1 NC).
Right away Souza threw out a body kick. Belfort went for a knee that missed, but he stuffed a takedown attempt. “Jacare” had “The Phenom’s” back against the fence, but not for long. “Jacare” grabbed the right ankle of Belfort and earned a takedown. He landed an elbow and threw some punches. Time was called as Belfort was cut and blood was pouring down.
The action resumed quickly and in the same position. Souza tried moving to side control, but Belfort scrambled out. “”The Phenom” surprisingly pulled guard and he paid for it with some heavy shots in full mount. “Jacare” rained down punches and the fight was stopped.
After the fight, Souza said he has earned a title shot. He then told UFC commentator Brian Stann, “I’ll Finish Luke Rockhold.””
Final Result: Jacare Souza def. Vitor Belfort via TKO (Strikes) – R1, 4:38
