| Ronaldo Souza | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | Ronaldo Souza dos Santos (1979-12-07)December 7, 1979 (age 45) Vila Velha,Espírito Santo, Brazil[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other names | Jacaré | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence | Orlando, Florida, United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Division | Light Heavyweight (2019)[2] Middleweight (2003–2021) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fighting out of | Manaus,Amazonas, Brazil | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | Fusion X-Cel Performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | 4th degree black belt in Brazilianjiu-jitsu (under Henrique Machado)[3][4] black belt inJudo (under Henrique Machado)[4] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 2003–2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By decision | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By decision | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No contests | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record fromSherdog | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Ronaldo Souza dos Santos[1] (born December 7, 1979), nicknamed "Jacaré" (Portuguese pronunciation:[ʒakaˈɾɛ]), is a Brazilian former professionalmixed martial artist,submission grappler and 4th degreeBrazilian jiu-jitsublack belt.
Souza was a multiple time BJJWorld champion in coloured belts before becoming a two-time black belt World Champion,ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion,CBJJO World Cup Champion,Brazilian National Champion andEuropean Open Champion. He was inducted into theADCC Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class due to his achievements in the sport.[5]
Souza transitioned to MMA in 2003, competing forUFC from 2013 to 2021. A highly regarded grappler on the world stage, Souza is a formerStrikeforce Middleweight Champion, and has also formerly competed forDREAM andJungle Fight.
Souza was born inVila Velha, Brazil, into acafuzo family and was raised inCariacica, Brazil. Souza had a rough upbringing, and on the day he turned 15, he saw one of his good friends get shot to death. After this event, Souza's mother moved him toManaus to go and live with his brother and he started training in Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu when he was 17. He is an eight-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, including gold medals in the Openweight class in 2003, 2004 and 2005. His other credentials include the 2005 77–87 kgADCC Champion and the 2005ADCC Absolute Division runner-up, only losing toRoger Gracie who outweighed him by approximately 25 lbs. Along withRoger Gracie andMarcelo Garcia, Souza is widely considered to be among the greatest BJJ practitioners of his time.
Souza made his mixed martial arts debut on September 9, 2003, atJungle Fight's inaugural event where he lost toJorge "Macaco" Patino byKO at 3:13 into the first round. He returned to mixed martial arts eight months later atJungle Fight 2 securing a submission win over Victor Babkir under a minute into the first round. His next fight was in April 2006 atJungle Fight 6 where he got his second win, defeatingAlexander Shlemenko by anarm triangle choke submission. He went on to fight twice before the end of 2006, winning both fights by submission during the first round.
In 2006, Souza fought and drew withUFC Hall of FamerRandy Couture in a grappling contest.[6] After the match Souza was invited by Couture to train at his gym. Souza accepted and started training atXtreme Couture inLas Vegas.[7] Souza's first fight of 2007 was on May 19 with him scoring a submission win due to strikes over veteran Bill Vucick atGracie Fighting Championships: Evolution. He would next fight twice within a two-week period on September 29 and October 13, scoring two submission wins both within the first round.
In 2008, Souza signed with Japanese MMA-promotionDREAM and was scheduled to participate in the2008 DREAM Middleweight Grand-Prix. In the first round of the tournament, atDREAM 2 on April 29, 2008, he defeated Ian Murphy by arear-naked choke submission in the first round.[8][9] This secured him a place in the quarter-finals which took place atDREAM 4 on June 15 where he fought former ICON Sport Middleweight ChampionJason "Mayhem" Miller. The fight went the distance with Souza continuously going for submissions with Miller escaping multiple rear-naked choke, leglock and armbar-attempts while mounting his own offense on the feet. Souza was awarded a unanimous decision victory which secured him a place in the semi-final of the Middleweight Grand-Prix.[10]
In the semi-finals which took place atDREAM 6 on September 23, Souza defeatedZelg Galesic early in the first round by armbar submission. The victory earned him a place in the finals of the tournament and a shot at the DREAM Middleweight Championship againstGegard Mousasi that same night. In the fight Souza was knocked out early in the first round by an upkick as he attempted to dive past Mousasi's guard to land a strike of his own. After participating in the tournament, Souza left Xtreme Couture and went toSan Diego to train withSaulo andXande Ribeiro, before leaving to train withAnderson Silva andAndré Galvão in preparation for Silva's upcoming bout withThales Leites atUFC 97 at Black House.[11]
Souza fought in the DREAM Middleweight Championship in a rematch with Jason Miller atDREAM 9 after Gegard Mousasi vacated the title when moving up to Light Heavyweight. The fight was called a no contest due to an illegal kick to the head that opened up a gash on Souza's head.[12]
Souza made his Strikeforce debut on December 19, 2009, atStrikeforce: Evolution with a first-round submission win overMatt Lindland, via arm-triangle choke. In this fight, Souza showed a major improvement in his stand up game and striking. Souza facedJoey Villaseñor on May 15, 2010, atStrikeforce: Heavy Artillery.[13] He won the fight via unanimous decision,[14] dominating the first round, being very aggressive, achieving the mount position and almost achieving the submission, but slowed down on the 2nd and 3rd round.[15]
Souza foughtTim Kennedy on August 21, 2010, atStrikeforce: Houston for the vacantStrikeforce Middleweight Championship, and won via unanimous decision.[16] Souza then defended the belt for the first time againstRobbie Lawler, on January 29, 2011, atStrikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg.[14]
In his second defense, Souza lost his Middleweight Championship againstAmerican Kickboxing Academy fighterLuke Rockhold via unanimous decision (50–45, 48–47, and 48–47).[17]
On March 3, 2012, Souza made his sixth Strikeforce appearance against late replacementBristol Marunde. Souza won via arm-triangle choke, submitting Marunde at 2:43 of the final round.[18]
On August 18, 2012, Souza facedDerek Brunson in his seventh Strikeforce appearance. Souza dropped Brunson early with a counter right hand which planted Brunson on the mat and landed three ground strikes, knocking out Brunson in just 41 seconds.
Souza facedUFC veteranEd Herman at the finalStrikeforce card,Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine, on January 12, 2013.[19] He won via submission in the first round.[14]
Souza signed a five-fight deal with the UFC in January 2013.[20]
Souza was expected to make his promotional debut againstCostas Philippou on May 18, 2013, atUFC on FX 8.[21] Philippou pulled out of the bout in early May, citing a cut above his eye, and was replaced byChris Camozzi.[22][23] Souza arm-triangle choked Camozzi unconscious in the first round.[24]
Souza next knocked outYushin Okami in the first round on September 4, 2013, atUFC Fight Night 28.[25]
Souza beatFrancis Carmont by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27) on February 15, 2014, atUFC Fight Night 36.[26] After, he said he was injured during his training camp and would require a minimum of six weeks for recovery.[27]
Souza was expected to rematchGegard Mousasi on August 2, 2014, atUFC 176.[28] When the event was cancelled, the bout was rescheduled for September 5, 2014, atUFC Fight Night 50.[29] Souza won via submission in the third round, earning his firstPerformance of the Night bonus award.[30][31]
Souza was expected to faceYoel Romero on February 28, 2015, atUFC 184.[32] Souza pulled out of the fight on January 15, due to pneumonia. The bout was rescheduled for April 18, 2015, atUFC on Fox 15.[33] Romero pulled out of the fight a week before the event, citing a ligament and meniscus tear in his knee.[34]Souza instead rematched returning veteranChris Camozzi, submitting him with a first-round armbar.[35]
The bout with Romero was scheduled for a third time, eventually taking place on December 12, 2015, atUFC 194.[36] Souza lost the bout via split decision.[37] 12 of 17 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Souza, and 3 of 17 scored it a draw.[38]
Souza facedVitor Belfort on May 14, 2016, atUFC 198.[39] He won the fight via TKO in the first round and was awarded aPerformance of the Night bonus.[40][41]
Souza was expected to faceLuke Rockhold in a rematch on November 27, 2016, atUFC Fight Night 101.[42] However, the pairing was cancelled on November 1, 2016, after Rockhold was ruled out of the contest after sustaining an undisclosed injury. As a result, Souza was removed from the card as well.[43]
Souza facedTim Boetsch on February 11, 2017, atUFC 208.[44] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[45] The win also earned Souza his thirdPerformance of the Night bonus award.[46]
Souza foughtRobert Whittaker on April 15, 2017, atUFC on Fox 24.[47] He lost by second-round TKO.[48] During the event weekend, Souza signed a new, eight-fight deal with UFC.[49]
A rematch withDerek Brunson took place on January 27, 2018, in the main event atUFC on Fox 27.[50] Souza won the fight via TKO in the first round.[51] This win earned him thePerformance of the Night bonus.[52]
Souza facedKelvin Gastelum on May 12, 2018, atUFC 224.[53] He lost the fight via split decision.[54] The fight also receivedFight of the Night honors.[55]
Souza was expected to faceDavid Branch on November 3, 2018, atUFC 230.[56] However, on October 19, 2018, It was reported that Souza replaced injuredLuke Rockhold to faceChris Weidman in the event.[57] He won the fight via knockout in the third round.[58] Both fighters earnedFight of the Night honors.[59]
Souza was scheduled to faceYoel Romero on April 27, 2019, atUFC on ESPN 3.[60][61] However, it was reported in early April that Romero pulled out of the bout due to illness.[62] Souza remained on the card and facedJack Hermansson in the main event atUFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson.[63] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[64]
Souza moved up to theLight Heavyweight division and facedJan Błachowicz on November 16, 2019, atUFC Fight Night 164.[2] He would lose the fight by split decision.[65]
Souza was scheduled to faceUriah Hall for a middleweight bout on April 18, 2020, atUFC 249.[66] However, on April 9,Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed[67] and the bout and event were rescheduled for May 9, 2020.[68] On May 8, Souza had to withdraw from the fight after testing positive forCOVID-19.[69]
Souza was expected to faceMarvin Vettori on December 12, 2020, atUFC 256.[70] However, the bout was scrapped when it was revealed Vettori would be serving as a late replacement to faceJack Hermansson atUFC on ESPN 19 and Souza instead facedKevin Holland.[71] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[72]
Souza facedAndré Muniz on May 15, 2021, atUFC 262.[73] He lost the fight via technical submission in the first round after his arm snapped while trapped in an armbar.[74] Souza underwent surgery to repair his right humerus.[75] The bout was the last of his prevailing contract, making him a free agent after the organization did not re-sign Souza.[76][77]
On August 10, 2021, Souza announced that he was retiring from MMA, hinting at a return to BJJ.[78][79]
Souza was booked to compete in his boxing debut against fellow MMA veteranVitor Belfort at Gamebred Boxing 4 on April 1, 2023.[80] He lost the fight by unanimous decision with scores of 58–54, 58–54, and 57–55.[81]
Souza and his wife, Larissa Carvalho, have three children.[82]
On October 8, 2020, Souza revealed the plans to start his own BJJ Academy in Orlando, Florida.[83] In 2022, he expressed plans for a debut in boxing.[84]
Main Achievements (Black Belt):[1]
Main Achievements (Colored Belts):[1]
| 37 matches | 26 wins | 10 losses |
| By knockout | 8 | 4 |
| By submission | 14 | 1 |
| By decision | 4 | 5 |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 26–10 (1) | André Muniz | Technical Submission (armbar) | UFC 262 | 15 May 2021 | 1 | 3:59 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 26–9 (1) | Kevin Holland | KO (punches) | UFC 256 | 12 December 2020 | 1 | 1:45 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Return to Middleweight. |
| Loss | 26–8 (1) | Jan Błachowicz | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Jacaré | 16 November 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | São Paulo, Brazil | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| Loss | 26–7 (1) | Jack Hermansson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson | 27 April 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | Sunrise, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 26–6 (1) | Chris Weidman | KO (punches) | UFC 230 | 3 November 2018 | 3 | 2:46 | New York City,New York, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 25–6 (1) | Kelvin Gastelum | Decision (split) | UFC 224 | 12 May 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 25–5 (1) | Derek Brunson | KO (head kick and punches) | UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 | 27 January 2018 | 1 | 3:50 | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 24–5 (1) | Robert Whittaker | TKO (head kick and punches) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis | 15 April 2017 | 2 | 3:28 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 24–4 (1) | Tim Boetsch | Submission (kimura) | UFC 208 | 11 February 2017 | 1 | 3:41 | Brooklyn, New York, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 23–4 (1) | Vitor Belfort | TKO (punches) | UFC 198 | 14 May 2016 | 1 | 4:38 | Curitiba, Brazil | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 22–4 (1) | Yoel Romero | Decision (split) | UFC 194 | 12 December 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas,Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 22–3 (1) | Chris Camozzi | Submission (armbar) | UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold | 18 April 2015 | 1 | 2:33 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 21–3 (1) | Gegard Mousasi | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Mousasi | 5 September 2014 | 3 | 4:30 | Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 20–3 (1) | Francis Carmont | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi | 15 February 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil | |
| Win | 19–3 (1) | Yushin Okami | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Bader | 4 September 2013 | 1 | 2:47 | Belo Horizonte, Brazil | |
| Win | 18–3 (1) | Chris Camozzi | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold | 18 May 2013 | 1 | 3:37 | Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil | Submission of the Night. |
| Win | 17–3 (1) | Ed Herman | Submission (kimura) | Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine | 12 January 2013 | 1 | 3:10 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States | Catchweight (194 lb) bout. |
| Win | 16–3 (1) | Derek Brunson | KO (punches) | Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman | 18 August 2012 | 1 | 0:41 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 15–3 (1) | Bristol Marunde | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey | 3 March 2012 | 3 | 2:43 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 14–3 (1) | Luke Rockhold | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov | 10 September 2011 | 5 | 5:00 | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States | Lost theStrikeforce Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 14–2 (1) | Robbie Lawler | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg | 29 January 2011 | 3 | 2:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Defended theStrikeforce Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 13–2 (1) | Tim Kennedy | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Houston | 21 August 2010 | 5 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | Won the vacantStrikeforce Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 12–2 (1) | Joey Villaseñor | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery | 15 May 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 11–2 (1) | Matt Lindland | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Strikeforce: Evolution | 19 December 2009 | 1 | 4:18 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| NC | 10–2 (1) | Jason Miller | NC (cut) | DREAM 9 | 26 May 2009 | 1 | 2:33 | Yokohama, Japan | For the vacantDREAM Middleweight Championship. |
| Loss | 10–2 | Gegard Mousasi | KO (upkick) | Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round | 23 September 2008 | 1 | 2:15 | Saitama, Japan | For the vacantDREAM Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 10–1 | Zelg Galešić | Submission (armbar) | Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round | 23 September 2008 | 1 | 1:27 | Saitama, Japan | |
| Win | 9–1 | Jason Miller | Decision (unanimous) | Dream 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round | 15 June 2008 | 2 | 5:00 | Yokohama, Japan | |
| Win | 8–1 | Ian Murphy | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round | 29 April 2008 | 1 | 3:37 | Saitama, Japan | |
| Win | 7–1 | Wendell Santos | TKO (submission to punches) | Hero's The Jungle | 13 October 2007 | 1 | 1:40 | Manaus, Brazil | |
| Win | 6–1 | José de Ribamar | Submission (armbar) | Amazon Challenge | 29 September 2007 | 1 | 3:28 | Manaus, Brazil | |
| Win | 5–1 | Bill Vucick | TKO (submission to punches) | Gracie Fighting Championships: Evolution | 19 May 2007 | 1 | 3:01 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Haim Gozali | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Jungle Fight Europe | 17 December 2006 | 1 | 1:34 | Ljubljana, Slovenia | |
| Win | 3–1 | Alexey Prokofiev | Submission (triangle choke) | Fury Fighting Championship 1 | 27 September 2006 | 1 | 2:30 | São Paulo, Brazil | |
| Win | 2–1 | Alexander Shlemenko | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Jungle Fight 6 | 29 April 2006 | 1 | 2:10 | Manaus, Brazil | |
| Win | 1–1 | Victor Babkir | TKO (submission to punches) | Jungle Fight 2 | 15 May 2004 | 1 | 0:56 | Manaus, Brazil | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Jorge Patino | KO (punch) | Jungle Fight 1 | 13 September 2003 | 1 | 3:13 | Manaus, Brazil |
| 1 fight | 0 wins | 1 loss |
|---|---|---|
| By decision | 0 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loss | 0–1 | Vitor Belfort | UD | 6 | 1 Apr 2023 | Fiserv Forum,Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Vacant Title last held by Jake Shields | 4thStrikeforce Middleweight Champion August 21, 2010 – September 10, 2011 | Succeeded by |
