| |
 |
|
Jacare plans to bring
the "Alligator Chomp" back to San Jose By Phil
Lanides
 Considered
to be one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the
history of the martial art, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza made the jump to
MMA in recent years. Now, following an epic five-round war with Tim
Kennedy at the August 21st “STRIKEFORCE: Houston” event, he is the
STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Champion. While this is a great
accomplishment, it also places a large bulls-eye squarely on his
back. Does the man whose nickname means “Alligator” possess thick
enough skin to weather the brewing storm? We’re about to find out.
We sat down recently with “Jacare” to discuss his victory, his
position in MMA, and his future in the sport.
Where does the middleweight championship rank on your list of
accomplishments?
Jacare: Right on top. Since I started competing in MMA, I have been
aiming to be the champion and have a middleweight championship belt
around my waist. In Japan, I lost in the final [of a championship
tournament], so that was close, but now I had the opportunity and I
was able to accomplish it this time.
Now that you have the belt, what’s next for you?
Jacare: Well, I am ready to start defending my belt, and it is up to
STRIKEFORCE, [CEO] Scott Coker, and the scale to decide who I will
be fighting next. If you make 185 lbs., it’s on (laughs)! All I know
is, I will keep training hard and keep evolving in all elements of
fighting in MMA.
There were questions about your conditioning and standup heading
into the bout with Tim Kennedy. Do you feel that you answered those?
Jacare: I hope so. Lots of people questioned my conditioning after
watched my fight against Joey Villasenor. If you watch the fight you
will see how much pressure I put on the first round, but I couldn’t
keep that pace. In my fight against Tim Kennedy, I was a more calm
and strategic fighter, so I could use my energy in doses and at the
end of the 5th round still be good to go for another round or two.
Regarding my standup game, for sure it’s improving, and I will keep
working hard to get better.
It was quite a battle with Kennedy. Do you feel he deserves a
rematch?
Jacare: Tim Kennedy is a tough fighter, and he deserves another shot
at the belt soon, but I would like to fight somebody else first. But
once again that is up to Scott Coker to decide.
There are rumors that there will be a middleweight tournament to
determine a number-one contender for your belt. What are your
thoughts on that?
Jacare: Definitely someone very good will come out on top of this
tournament, and it will make a great show [if it happens].
STRIKEFORCE has a lot of great fighters in my division, so I know
they will keep me very busy.
Gegard Mousasi handed you one of only two career losses. He is also
part of the STRIKEFORCE roster. Would you like a chance to avenge
that loss?
Jacare: If he can make 185 lbs., it is on. I met him in Tokyo, and I
really like Mousasi. He’s a nice guy. But like I said, I will fight
anyone at 185 lbs.
Who do you feel is the biggest threat to your title?
Jacare: Everyone is a threat. It’s up to me and my coaches to make
sure I am well prepared and that at the day of the fight I fight my
best.
Who do you want to fight next?
Jacare: I do not have anyone specific. STRIKEFORCE has a bunch of
great fighters in my division, so let’s see what happens.
When should fans expect to see you in the cage again?
Jacare: I hope as soon as possible. Right after my last fight, in an
interview I was already begging for my next fight. Once I get my
next fight, I can resume my training.
Will we see the “Alligator Chomp” in San Jose again?
Jacare: That is the main plan (laughs).
What is your favorite submission?
Jacare: Triangle, armbar, chokes…I like them all. Especially the
ones that work (smiles).
What would fans be surprised to know about you?
Jacare: Not sure. But I am a family man, and I do normal things like
walk my dog twice a day, go shopping, go to movies, and enjoy my
family. My son, Enzo Gabriel, was just born on August 20th, one day
before my fight against Kennedy. I just met Enzo on Tuesday, August
24th, and it is one of the best experiences I have ever had in my
life.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Jacare: I would like to say thank you to my coaches Josuel Distak
and Rogerio Camoes, to my team that helps me get ready for my fights
at X-gym, to my lovely wife Larissa for her love, and for giving me
a wonderful son, to my manager and friend Gilberto Faria, and to all
my fans. God bless you all!
For more from Phil Lanides check out
http://www.examiner.com/x-9970-San-Jose-MMA-Examiner
http://www.fightofyourlife.com/
|
