According to Sherdog, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza is not done competing in combat sports, as retired MMA fighter plans to debut in boxing. In his recent interview, Souza said that he picked up boxing as his training routine and received an attractive offer to fight.
As for now, no contract was signed, so Jacare can’t give any details on his potential opponent or debut date. He stated that despite his BJJ roots he always loved boxing what was shown in MMA fights, where he often utilized boxing.
Now the 42-year old retired Souza hasn’t competed since May 2021, when at UFC 262 he suffered a submission loss to Andre Muniz. This was his fourth loss in a row, which led to his release by the UFC. What’s worse, Jacare suffered a broken arm and later that year he announced his retirement.
Souza has a 26 – 10 professional MMA record. He made his debut back in 2003 in the Brazilian promotion. Jungle Fight. After a couple of fights and high-level grappling bouts, he was signed by Japanese promotion, DREAM. There he was riding a three-fight winning streak and made it to the Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 finals, where he was stopped by Gegard Mousasi. Later he jumped to Strikeforce, where he became middleweight champion, defeating Matt Lindland, Tim Kennedy and Robbie Lawler in a process. He made his UFC debut in 2013, where he bested Yushin Okami, was successful in a rematch with Mousasi, and beat Vitor Belfort and Chris Weidman.
Outside the MMA was one of the most accomplished BJJ competitors. He is a three-time IBJJF World Champion, an ADCC World Champion, and an ADCC Superfight winner. On the grappling mat, he holds victories over such notable names as Roger Gracie, Robert Drysdale, and Braulio Estima. His last grappling bout took place at ADCC World Championship in 2011, where he was defeated by Estima.
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