Matchmaker Monday Following UFC Sao Paulo
Jan Blachowicz and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza pretty much grappled for 25 minutes and the crowd in Sao Paulo, Brazil didn’t seem impressed. Regardless of whether or not the fight was boring to some, it was an important fight in the light heavyweight division.
Blachowicz escaped with a split decision win and called for Jon Jones afterwards. Will he get a title fight? And where does Souza go from here? Let’s find out on this Matchmaker Monday.
Jan Blachowicz, light heavyweight
Result: Defeated Jacare Souza via split decision
Up Next: Anthony Smith or Corey Anderson
Blachowicz is on fire right now as he’s won six of his last seven fights. He definitely makes a case to be the next in line to fight for the belt, but unfortunately for him it looks like Dominic Reyes is getting that opportunity.
With Jones and Reyes squaring off, I think it makes sense to have Blachowicz fight one of the other top contenders. That leaves you former title challenger Anthony Smith or Corey Anderson.
A few months ago the light heavyweight division seemed to have nobody worthy to fight Jones. However, after great performances from Thiago Santos, Reyes, Smith, Anderson and Blachowiz, the division is now looking exciting.
Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, light heavyweight
Result: Lost to Jan Blachowicz via split decision
Up Next: Return to middleweight
My thought going into Saturday’s fight in Sao Paulo was that if Souza lost, he should hang it up. I was wrong. Souza almost pulled off the upset and put himself into the mix for a shot at the GOAT.
Even though he was closing to leaving with a win, he still lost. While it was a narrow loss to a top contender, I don’t really see him making a run at 205 pounds.
Middleweight seems to be a good home for Souza, especially if he wants to claim UFC gold. I think the clock is ticking on his career though, so he’s going to have to move as quickly as he can. In all honesty if Souza loses his next fight he should probably consider retirement.
