Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza’s split decision loss to Yoel Romero sits as a sore spot for the former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, and he’s hoping a win over Vitor Belfort at UFC 198 moves him right back into the spot he thought he was going to get this year.
“What really upset me with that fight was the result,” Souza said in an interview with FoxSports.com. “It was a really contested result but it’s one of those things it happens and we’ve got to move forward. Right now I’m feeling like this is a new door that’s opening for me and I’m going to be credited to fight for the belt next so I’m just moving forward.”
Souza’s got one goal in mind moving forward, and that’s the UFC Middleweight Championship. He expects to beat Belfort, get that shot next, and end the year with the belt around his waist.
“My focus is on the belt,” Souza said. “I’m not focusing on any specific person but I just want whoever wins that fight. I’m going to be the future UFC Middleweight Champion that’s for sure.”
Penick’s Analysis: Souza’s got the type of game that’s going to make him competitive against anyone in this division. He’s lost to current champ Luke Rockhold in the past, but that came by decision years ago in a tough and close fight. He’s got as good a submission game as there is in the sport, and knockout power in his hands, so if he puts everything together on a consistent basis, beats Belfort, and gets his shot at the title, he might very well capture that title.
[Photo (c) Jason Silva via USA Today Sports]
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