Multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Jacare Souza has been booked to battle former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort in a middleweight showdown in a yet to be named city in Brazil on May 14th. Souza, who is 22-4 with a 5-1 record in the UFC, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Yoel Romero, who later failed a post-fight PED test, at UFC 194. The 38-year old Belfort, who owns a 25-11 professional record is coming off an impressive first round knockout of former Pride Champion Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night this past November.
The winner of this fight will likely be in the mix for a title fight with new UFC Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, who won the title at UFC 194 with a fourth round TKO of Chris Weidman. Both Souza and Belfort have previously squared off Rockhold. Souza lost the Strikeforce Middleweight Title to Rockhold back in September 2011 and Belfort scored a highlight reel head kick knockout of Rockhold in May 2013. Belfort’s victory over Rockhold wasn’t without controversy since Belfort was on Testosterone Replacement Therapy treatment which has since been banned.
