"Jacare" Souza hitting Matt Lindland (Photo credit: Esther Lin/Strikeforce)

By FCF Staff

Not only is Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza hoping to secure a title shot at UFC 176, the promotion’s #4 ranked middleweight will look to avenge one of only three defeats he’s incurred.

In 2008, Souza was knocked out by a Gegard Mousasi up kick while competing for DREAM, which violently ended “Jacare’s” ten fight win streak. Now, on August 2nd, Souza will face Mousasi for a second time, and the renowned grappler believes it’s going to be a different fight.

While speaking to MMA Fighting.com recently, Souza relayed:

“I’m more experienced and heavier now, and I also have a better cardio. I added more weapons to my game,” Souza said. “My striking is better, and I adapt my jiu-jitsu to MMA better now. It’s going to be a different fight this time.”

“You’ll all see my strategy on fight night. It’s a surprise.”

Since Souza (20-3) was defeated by Mousasi, the 34 year-old fighter has gone 10-1, with 1 no contest.

Mousasi (35-4-2), on the other hand, has put together a 11-2-1 record since stopping Souza. Most recently the 28 year-old fighter, and #7 ranked middleweight, tapped out Mark Munoz at UFC FN 41.

UFC 176 will be hosted by the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.