Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will be facing TUF champion Robert Whittaker at UFC On Fox 24.
Jacare has been more outspoken about his relationship with the UFC as of late and the soon to be free agent says that won’t be changing anytime soon.
“I think it didn’t happen because it wasn’t meant to happen,” Souza said to MMA Junkie. “But in a few occasions, I didn’t speak the truth. I didn’t say what had to be said. If I had to do anything differently, I’d express my feelings more and tell the truth more. That’s it. (I’d) say, ‘That guy’s a wuss.’ If I had to say it, I’d say it. I used to be quiet, so I’d change that. I think in Brazil we have that respect thing. We’re very respectful and stuff, and a lot of times it has nothing to do with it. Speaking the truth doesn’t mean you’re disrespecting anyone. You’re just telling the truth and what you’re feeling. We got confused in that aspect.”
Souza is one of many critics of the way the middleweight division has been handled, with another free agent in Gegard Mousasi speaking out as well.
The fighter does feel that winning the UFC Middleweight Title is important for his career, but he won’t let the title define him.
“The belt is very important,” Souza said. “We work to be the best, and the belt is very important. I’ve been Strikeforce champ. I’ve been a jiu-jitsu world champion countless times. And my dream is to be UFC champ. I have this dream. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m OK with it. When I said I could retire, it’s because if it gets too much, I won’t keep doing something that’s bad for me. I can retire, I can teach jiu-jitsu classes. I travel. I went to Europe and I taught through Europe. I can do that. I can open my own gym. How many students? Three hundred. I’ll have my students.”
UFC On Fox 24 takes place on Saturday, April 15 from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri with Demetrious Johnson and Wilson Reis headlining. Fightful be providing live coverage of the event.
