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NEW YORK – In a memorable career that has seen him win several world titles, the only thing that has escaped the Brazilian star, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, is a chance to win a UFC title.
The 38-year-old may have finally been given a chance to make sure of that on Saturday, when he rallied to stop former champion Chris Weidman in a sensational slugfest that has been played almost exclusively on the feet during the main co-event of the UFC 230.
Souza (26-6, 1 NC), who had blood dripping from his nose since the middle of the first round, seemed to be beating fast throughout the second period, as did Weidman (14-4), a native of Baldwin, New York, good to control it on the feet with stiff blows and straight hooks. But "Jacare" shook the pro-Weidman crowd of Madison Square Garden when he landed a brutal right hand in the third round.
The reversal was so sudden, it appeared as if a follow-up would not be necessary. Souza, respectful of his opponent, chose not to intervene and referee Dan Miragliotta chose not to withdraw from the fight.
Weidman, 34, who had played in the game after losing three of his last four games, began to struggle with Souza's leg, who had protested against Miragliotta. Finally, the fight was canceled at 2:46.
"It's about sport, it's about sport, we have to respect our work," Souza said. "I can hit Chris and we can play but we have a lot of respect, I respect him and he respects me, it was a big fight."
The only thing that puzzles the fight is why Souza, one of the greatest wrestlers and submission experts in UFC history, has never tried to make a takedown. Although Souza had difficult moments while jostling Weidman with punches, he was probably headed for a near decisive loss due to Weidman's boxing sound and distance control.
"Thank God, my nose has not been broken," Souza said. "I was born on the wrong side of the track and my nose is not broken.I mean I love Chris and that he's a hero and that he's a legend of I feel so bad for him and respect him, he is one of the best in the world. "
Souza must wait to see what happens when middleweight champion Robert Whittaker defends his title against Kelvin Gastelum in early 2019 before potentially making his title dreams come true. What does not necessarily work in favor of the former Strikeforce and DREAM champion is that the two defeats he has suffered in the last two years, which could mean that the rising star Israel Adesanya – who beat Derek Brunson on Saturday – could steal his opponent. square.
The defeat was overwhelming for Weidman, entering the cage after a 16-month layoff due to an injury after his win in 2017 against Gastelum. Before that, he had suffered a trio of defeats that started when he lost his title to Luke Rockhold in 2015.
For the complete results of UFC 230, click here please.
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