Strikeforce: Jacare Souza Demands Your Respect

Strikeforce champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza

Strikeforce champ plans on dismantling Luke Rockhold

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza wants respect, and he plans on showing Luke Rockhold why he is the reigning Strikeforce middleweight champion on Saturday night.

The two fighters square off at the Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Heavyweight semi-finals. Souza spoke to HeavyMMA while preparing to make this third title defense.

“He’s a great fighter and a great athlete. He is from a good team and I know he is prepared for a great fight just as I am. I’ve been training very hard for this fight and I’m ready. I see this fight going everywhere. We are going to be standing up, hitting the ground, taking all over the place. I’m going to show everyone what I can do.”

Souza is one of the only remaining champions on the Strikeforce roster. Alistair Overeem and Nick Diaz departed for the UFC, and Dan Henderson is expected to follow them within weeks. Only Souza and lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez remain. While this paints a grim picture, it only serves as further motivation for Souza to represent his title and organization.

“I believe I am one of the best middleweights in the world. I work hard to grow my skills and I’ll continue to work hard so that I continue to get better. You guys are going to see what I’m talking about on Saturday night.

“The only pressure I feel comes from within. Being a champion is important to me and I want to make sure that I’ll perform well for myself and for my fans.”