‘Jacare’ Souza (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It looks as though one of the greatest middleweights of this generation is hanging up the gloves, as it’s being reported Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has retired.

The former Strikeforce champ and longtime, UFC contender, has reportedly informed Combate that his fighting days are over.

The 41-year-old Souza transitioned into pro-MMA back in 2003, at a time when he was already considered to be one of the greatest grapplers on the planet. Souza went on to win Strikeforce’s middleweight title in 2010, before losing it to Luke Rockhold one year later.

Souza joined the UFC in 2013, and proceeded to go 8-2 in his first 10 bouts with the promotion. Following his win over Derek Brunson in January, 2018, however, Souza went 1-4 in his next five fights.

The decorated fighter went 26-10, with 1 no-contest, during his MMA career. Souza recorded victories over notable names like Tim Kennedy, Gegard Mousasi, Chris Weidman, Robbie Lawler and Vitor Belfort.