Former ADCC superfight and Strikeforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has announced that he has retired from MMA.
Combate was the first to report that the 41-year-old Souza, who has also claimed multiple IBJJF world titles, would be stepping away from fighting after a professional MMA career that has spanned nearly 18 years.
Souza, a DREAM veteran, won the then-vacant Strikeforce middleweight title in 2010, defeating Tim Kennedy by unanimous decision for the honor. “Jacare” went on to defend the title with a submission against Robbie Lawler before losing it to Luke Rockhold in September 2011.
Souza had his first UFC fight in 2013, resulting in a victory that would turn into a five-fight winning streak. He went on to finish numerous formidable opponents, including Vitor Belfort, Derek Brunson, and Chris Weidman, but his last four fights have ended in losses.
Souza’s most recent fight saw him get armbarred at the hands of Andre Muniz, resulting in an arm injury that required surgery. The fight marked Souza’s last on his contract with the UFC, and he has not been on their roster since.
