Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 22 marks the debut of Ronaldo Souza at light heavyweight.
Souza (26-7 MMA, 9-4 UFC), a perennial middleweight contender, will elevate to 205 pounds for the first time in his UFC tenure when he takes on Poland’s Jan Blachowicz.
Souza’s move to 205 pounds comes after dropping three of his past five fights. In April, Souza suffered a unanimous decision loss to Norway’s Jack Hermansson. Since then, “Jacare” said he has improved his life inside and outside the cage.
“I’m happy because everything has changed in my life,” Souza said in a UFC promotional video. “This fight against Jan is very important for me. The UFC gave me the opportunity to fight in a light heavyweight main event – a tough fight in my hometown.”
For the fight against Blachowicz (24-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Souza said he will return to his roots – his signature grappling abilities. While his striking has improved over the years, Souza thinks he’s over-utilized it in recent fights.
“Sometimes, I use too (much) striking,” Souza said. “Sometimes, I win. Sometimes, I lose. But right now, I’m back to my roots. I use a lot of jiu-jitsu. I train a lot of jiu-jitsu. I believe everything is going to be different right now.”
When fans tune into UFC on ESPN+ 22, Souza said they can expect to see the resurgence of the true “Jacare.” The key to his success has been his happiness. Souza indicated he’s entering UFC Sao Paulo in a great mood.
“I’m happy, and if I’m happy it’s hard to beat me,” Souza said. “I have to go there and beat Jan and make me more happy. When I think about this, my mind is blowing. Whatever he brings to the octagon, I overcome.
“I’m ready for the fight and to show everybody ‘Jacare’ is back.”
UFC on ESPN+ 22 takes place Saturday at Ginásio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo. The card streams on ESPN+.
Ronaldo Souza ready to show the real 'Jacare' is back at UFC on ESPN+ 22
