Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza signs UFC contract

Looking to bolster its middleweight division, the UFC perhaps signed the most dynamic Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom on the planet, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza.

That’s the latest news from the Porto do Vale Tudo forums, which explains that an announcement was made at an Amazon Challenge event. In fact, Brazilian television even picked up the story, demonstrating just how highly regarded the talented grappler is in his country.

Jacare has a solid mixed martial arts record (5-1), but has never made it past the first round in any of those six fights. He has five submission wins to his credit during those contests.

The “Alligator” (Jacare translated) is a two-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion who placed second in the absolute division of the 2005 Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) world championships, losing to Roger Gracie by submission (rear naked choke).

He also competed against UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture in a Professional Submission League grappling match last year, taking “The Natural” to a scoreless draw.