Ronaldo Souza and those closest to him believe he is next in line to challenge for the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title.
The two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships gold medalist won for the ninth time in 10 fights at UFC 198 on May 14, when he stopped Vitor Belfort with first-round punches in Curitiba, Brazil. Souza’s manager, Gilberto Farias, sees “Jacare” as the clear No. 1 contender at 185 pounds -- a division now ruled by Michael Bisping. Marketability, Farias claims, is no longer an issue.