Jacare Souza says he will likely retire if he doesn’t get title shot with win over Yoel Romero
In the main event of UFC Fort Lauderdale, Yoel Romero and Jacare Souza are running their fight back. They first fought back at UFC 194 back in 2015 where Romero won the fight by split-decision. Since their first fight, Romero fought for the title twice — officially once due to Romero missing weight — meanwhile, Souza has just racked up wins.
Now, there is no question the two of them are the top contenders, however, the two will not be fighting for the interim title. Rather, Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum will be getting that honor at UFC 236. But that doesn’t mean ‘Jacare’ can’t think he is next with a win over Romero. Currently, Romero is the number one contender while Souza is number three. Both ahead of Adesanya and Gastelum.
That is why ‘Jacare’ believes he deserves the next shot. And, if he isn’t given that title shot next, this fight against Romero may very well be his last.
“I am waiting [for] my time, for my chance or if UFC don’t give me the chance, I want to open a Jiu-Jitsu school for me,” Jacare said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “[I’ll] probably [retire]. I don’t have a problem with my retirement, right now my body is good, everything’s good but I don’t have a problem about this. I retired from Jiu-Jitsu when I was on top. I have to win this fight and I’m waiting for the UFC.
“I’m almost 40 but I look 27,” he said with a laugh.
There is no doubt Souza deserves it as he has racked wins over the likes of Chris Weidman, Derek Brunson, Vitor Belfort, and Gegard Mousasi among others. However, as mentioned, the title shot may not be next as it is expected current champion, Robert Whittaker will take on the winner of Gastelum vs Adesanya.
