RIO DE JANEIRO — Ronaldo Souza is tired of waiting for a shot at the UFC middleweight title.
Winner of nine of his last 10 MMA fights, ”Jacare” is set to take on Tim Boetsch at the upcoming UFC 208 card on Feb. 11, and told the media during a media day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that he doesn’t expect to earn a title shot even if he scores an spectacular finish in Brooklyn.
Souza’s only loss under the UFC banner was a close decision against Yoel Romero, and that’s exactly who he sees as his next opponent after UFC 208.
“This fight will happen because Bisping is afraid,” Souza said of Romero. “Bisping is running. (The Romero) fight will happen. I believe that after my fight, Romero is next. My focus is the belt, I’d rather right Bisping next, of course, but I believe I’ll end up fighting Romero. We have unfinished business.”
Bisping eyes a return to the Octagon around May after undergoing a knee surgery, and the Brazilian talent throws shots at him after his recent comments about going after money fights.
“The reality is he doesn't fight for his honor nor his family’s. He doesn't even fight for himself. He just wants to fight for money,” he said. “He doesn't give a damn about the fans, what fans want. Fans pay this jerk’s salary, so he better respect the fans.”
“I'm still in the title run,” he added. “Everybody knows I’m the best option available. Everybody knows that Bisping’s fight with Dan Henderson was a disaster. They didn't even disclose the pay-per-view numbers. Nobody was interested in watching that crappy fight."