Potentially fighting for a title shot, Gegard Mousasi and Ronaldo Souza went to war in the main event of UFC Fight Night 50 last night (Fri., Sept. 5, 2014) at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Though much of the bout was competitive, Souza eventually pulled away with a sudden finishing. Find out how below!
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweights Ronaldo Souza and Gegard Mousasi looked to earn a shot at Octagon gold last night (Sept. 5, 2014) at UFC Fight Night 50 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Despite having literally dozens of fights across the globe, Mousasi entered the cage looking to prove his position as an elite middleweight. The experienced kickboxer was coming off a brutalization of Mark Munoz and looking to build momentum toward the middleweight strap.
"Jacare" was also working toward the title, although his ranking was far more established. Having won his first three UFC bouts and last six fights, Souza already had a strong argument for a title shot. Then, he went out and put on one of the best performances of his career against "Dream Catcher."
Not only did Souza stifle and control the dangerous kickboxer, but he stayed aggressive and eventually finished the fight.
To watch full fight video highlights of Jacare Souza vs. Gegard Mousasi right now click here.
Early on, the bout appeared to be going Mousasi's way. Souza shot his initial takedown from far out, which allowed Mousasi to easily stuff it while he worked his jab. Souza's follow up shot -- which was set up far better -- was still stuffed by "The Armenian Assassin."
Souza continued to push Mousasi against the cage but could not secure a takedown. He then dropped for a double against the fence, and it again seemed that Mousasi was in control of where the fight took place. However, Souza simply waited for Mousasi to attack with elbows, then yanked him off of his feet.
Once the fight hit the mat, it oddly paralleled their duel against the cage. Mousasi initially repelled Souza's many pass attempts and most of his strikes. Then, as he went for the upkick, "Jacare" moved around and passed to a dominant position.
Clearly, Souza learned something from the first bout.
The second round opened with Mousasi's active flick jab. Unfortunately for the Armenian, there wasn't enough power behind the jab to hold off Souza's assault. Souza walked Mousasi down and starting slinging power punches, and although both men landed some hard punches, "Jacare" took advantage of the chaos to land a second double leg against the fence.
Once again, Souza's active top game was on display. The Brazilian was frequently attempting guard passes and then looking to counter Mousasi's guard recovery with the kimura and arm triangle choke. Although he secured the kimura grip multiple times in the second round, Mousasi showed his own skill by escaping each time.
To start off the third round, Mousasi began finding his range against a fatigued Souza. As his jabs and straight rights started to add up, Mousasi was forced against the fence once more by Souza. However, Mousasi managed to get off the fence this time, and it seemed like the tide could be starting to turn for "Dreamcatcher."
Then, Souza charged forward with an overhand, which sent Mousasi backward, covering up. Souza, recognizing his opportunity, shot for a double leg against the fence and finished. In another positive sign for Mousasi, he managed to stand up from this takedown not long after.
"Jacare" didn't allow for Mousasi to stand for long. Souza again shot for a double against the fence, waited for Mousasi to throw elbows, then slammed him to the ground. The fight began to slow a bit as the two transitioned on the mat, only for Souza to suddenly grab Mousasi's neck in a guillotine and roll.
As Souza rolled, he locked up one of Mousasi's arms in his guard. "The Armenian Assassin" tried to defend with his free arm but was forced to tap just a couple seconds later.
That's how to avenge a loss in style.
This was a nearly a perfect performance for Souza. He avoided striking with Mousasi for much of the fight and did well when the two did exchange. In addition, he never lingered on his feet, always timing a quick shot once Mousasi looked to punch.
And once the fight was on the mat, Souza was home.
Thanks to his current run and this excellent win, "Jacare" deserves a title shot. His only contender is Luke Rockhold, who holds a win over Souza and is on a decent run of his own. If Souza doesn't get the shot immediately and cannot or won't wait, a match with the winner of Tim Kennedy and Yoel Romero could work.
At just 29 years old, Mousasi still has time to make a run at the title. It would be wise for Mousasi to find a strong wrestling gym with a cage, as that was the one area in which Souza really out-shined him. He's already a tough opponent for any middleweight, so fixing that hole will make him even more formidable.
Thanks to his name and experience, it's very unlikely that Mousasi's next opponent is outside the top 15. If Mousasi can build up a 3 or 4 fight win streak, he could still end up in line for the belt eventually. Match ups with Costas Phillipou or Tim Boestch would likely turn into exciting bouts.
For complete UFC Fight Night 50: "Jacare vs. Mousasi" results, including blow-by-blow coverage of the entire FOX Sports 1 event, click here.
After a stunning submission victory over Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night 50, can Souza's brilliant jiu-jitsu bring him all the way to the title?
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