Jacare manager: Belfort shouldn’t pick opponents
Jacare’s manager Gilbert Faria: “Vitor Belfort is picking opponents, and that’s not what champions do. That’s wrong. And it’s also wrong to stop the whole division.”
Mixed martial arts came directly from Brazil, and you if you want to get the perspective of the leading Brazilians in the sport, then follow Guilherme Cruz. Cruz spoke with Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza’s manager, Gilbert Faria, who took issue with Vitor Belfort for picking opponents, turning down an offered Interim title fight with Lyoto Machida after UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman separate his ribs. Belfort was also offered a fight with Gegard Mousasi, which was also declined. Faria also said if Belfort does not want to fight for an Interim title, then the Interim title fight could go in without him.
“As a MMA fan and a fan of Vitor Belfort, I would like to see this fight between Weidman and Belfort,” said Faria to MMAFighting. “With Weidman’s injury and the fact that we don’t know when he’s going to be able to return, it’s the right decision to create an interim title,” Faria told MMAFighting.com. “If Vitor doesn’t want to fight or wants to pick opponents, he loses his right to fight for the interim title.
“If we look at the rankings, ‘Jacare’ is the next in line for the title. He can fight Lyoto Machida, Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero, or even Belfort for the interim title, and then wait for Weidman. Belfort is picking opponents, and that’s not what champions do. That’s wrong. And it’s also wrong to stop the whole division.”
“‘Jacare’ is already back to training, healthy, and will be ready to fight anyone in April. We don’t pick opponents. Belfort, Lyoto, Romero, Luke. Whoever they want, especially for the interim title, we will take the fight. We’re in. ‘Jacare’ is ready to become champion, and that will happen sooner or later. In April, we will be ready to fight anyone. The UFC can count on us.”