Romero (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Although “Jacare” Souza’s bout with Yoel Romero was much more competitive than his loss to Robert Whittaker, the middleweight believes the latter will be defeated at UFC 213.

Romero and Whittaker are booked to fight for the interim 185 title on July 8th, in what will serve as the card’s co-headliner. Souza faced Whittaker in April and was taken out by the fighter in the second round. When Souza faced Romero in 2015, he lost via a tightly contested, split decision.

Recently Souza spoke to MMA Fighting about the upcoming Romero – Whittaker fight, and while doing so, he said this:

“I think Romero wins this fight,” Souza said. “He’s stronger, keeps the distance well and is really calm. Robert Whittaker can surprise him and win because he’s really fast for the middleweight division, but I bet on Romero.”

Whittaker is riding a seven fight winning streak heading into UFC 213, while Romero has won eight in a row. The July 8th card will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.