Longtime UFC middleweight contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is no longer part of the promotion’s roster.
Various media outlets picked up on the fact Souza was removed from the UFC’s fans rankings pool, before the news was confirmed by ESPN.
In Souza’s last outing in the Octagon, the decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert was submitted by compatriot Andre Muniz at UFC 262 last Saturday in Houston, Texas.
The former Strikeforce champion had his arm caught in an armbar and refused to tap before that limb was broken. That was Jacare’s first loss by submission in his MMA career and that happened to be the final bout on his UFC contract.
At present, it’s unclear if the 41-year-old Brazilian will continue fighting elsewhere, though he has plenty of time to mull that over while he rehabilitates his arm.
“Jacare does not yet know what his future will bring in combat sports,” said Souza’s revered coach Andre Pederneiras via ESPN. “But [he] will continue to rehab his broken arm.
“[Souza] just wants to take a rest now and take care of his family for now.”
The multiple-time World Jiu Jitsu Championship and ADCC World Champion gold medallist has lost his last four bouts in the cage, falling to Jack Hermansson, Kevin Holland, Muniz and current UFC light heavyweight king Jan Blachowicz.
Jacare’s last victory came in 2018 when he rallied to knock out former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 230.
