Coach wants Jacare vs. Hendo in Feb at light heavyweight
“I would love to see him facing Henderson in February, on the same card that Belfort will face Weidman. Henderson is a legend, and the fans would love to see that matchup.”
UFC middleweight Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza’s coach Josuel Distak spoke recently with Marcelo Alonso for Sherdog, and floated an unexpected proposal.
One a seven-fight win streak, Jacare was hoping for a title shot vs the winner of champion Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort. However, the title fight was delayed and Jacare has elbow issues that will be resolved sufficient to fight until Jan.
I believe Jacare already proved that he deserves a shot at the middleweight title, said Distak. But, once he’s recovered from this second elbow surgery in January, it’s the same time as Chris and Belfort, so what can we do? I like the idea of putting Jacare in a special light heavyweight fight. I truly believe that, with the exception of Rafael ‘Feijao’ and Rogerio ‘Minotouro,’ Jacare can fight anyone in that division as preparation to face the winner of Vitor and Chris. I don’t think it’s fair that Jacare should cut weight to fight in the division where he’s ranked No. 2.
Jacare already fought in open-weight matches during his jiu-jitsu career. I would love to see him facing Henderson in February, on the same card that Belfort will face Weidman. Henderson is a legend, and the fans would love to see that matchup. But Ronaldo could face anyone in that division except Rogerio and Feijao. I don’t see any problem with making that test. The world needs to know the potential of Ronaldo Jacare.
Henderson’s BJJ coach Ricardo “Pantcho” Feliciano welcomed the fight.
“With all due respect to Jacare, Distak is putting him in a bad spot,” said Feliciano to Sherdog. “I think Distak just motivated ‘Hendo,’ who will now give everything he has in training,” said Pantcho. Dan Henderson hasn’t fought since [May], and he is willing to come back in January. That’s [been] his plan since last fight. For now, he’s been coming to the gym three or four times a week to keep in shape. Fighting ‘Jacare’ would be a huge motivation since he is about to get a title shot.”
“I can’t see a reason for it to be a light heavyweight bout. If he wants to fight Hendo, let it be at 185. If you ask for a fight, you have to assume some sort of responsibility, or be careful what you ask for.”
So what do you think UG? Weidman vs. Belfort and Jacare vs. Henderson on the same card, with a potential next title shot laid out right there?