Former Strikeforce champ Ronaldo Souza expecting to fight on company’s January card

After scoring the first knockout win of his career in August it seemed as though middleweight Ronaldo Souza was destined for a rematch with Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold. The victory – an impressive 41-second stoppage of Derek Brunson – was Souza’s second straight since losing the belt to Rockhold in a hard-fought decision a little more than a year ago.

Though it’s now clear Souza will not get the title-shot, as Strikeforce opted to award unbeaten striker Lorenz Larkin with the opportunity instead, it appears “Jacare” is still set to compete on the same card the gold will be up for grabs on.

According to TATAME, the Brazilian BJJ specialist is under the impression he will see action on January 12 in Oklahoma City. The event is expected to be Strikeforce’s swan song as a promotion before folding completely and will feature a number of title-bouts as well as an appearance from heavyweight Daniel Cormier.

No opponent was mentioned as a likely candidate to fill the spot opposite Souza.

The 16-3 Souza is one of the top grapplers in MMA with a ton of success on the tournament scene. He is 6-1 in his last seven fights including wins over Matt Lindland, Robbie Lawler, and Tim Kennedy.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/11/09/former-strikeforce-champ-ronaldo-souza-expecting-to-fight-on-companys-january-card/

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