Ronaldo Souza
Active 2013–present · rated in 4 editions · peak overall 86.0
Scouting report
Winning eight World Jiu-Jitsu Championships and an ADCC title before capturing the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza built a career on elite grappling. Raised in Manaus, Brazil, Souza earned UFC stoppage wins over Gegard Mousasi, Vitor Belfort, Chris Weidman, and Derek Brunson, his ground game reflected in a 96 BJJ and 86 Wrestling, cementing an 86 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Jacare made his UFC debut in 2013, submitting Chris Camozzi with a first-round arm-triangle choke in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, and stopping Yushin Okami with punches in round one at UFC Fight Night 28 in Belo Horizonte. His ADCC-level jiu-jitsu, explosive takedowns, and developing power punching are reflected in a 95 BJJ and 82 Boxing.
Souza went on a tear from 2014 to 2015, defeating Francis Carmont in Jaragua do Sul, submitting Gegard Mousasi with a guillotine choke in Mashantucket, and submitting Chris Camozzi again before dropping a split decision to Yoel Romero at UFC 194 in Las Vegas. His top mount, submission ability, and power hooks anchor his 96 BJJ and 83 Boxing.
Between 2016 and 2017, Souza stopped Vitor Belfort with first-round punches in Curitiba and submitted Tim Boetsch with a kimura at UFC 208 in Brooklyn, while dropping a second-round TKO defeat to rising champion Robert Whittaker in Kansas City. His submission transitions and takedown offense justify his 96 BJJ and 83 Boxing ratings.
Souza knocked out Derek Brunson in Charlotte and knocked out former champion Chris Weidman in the third round at UFC 230 in Madison Square Garden, while dropping decisions to Kelvin Gastelum, Jack Hermansson, and Jan Blachowicz. His overhand right power, chin, and submission base anchor his 95 BJJ and 82 Boxing.
Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza and the black belt who made chokes look simple
Ronaldo Souza is a multiple-time world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and he brought that background to MMA, where he held the Strikeforce middleweight title before moving to the sport's biggest stage. His grappling was his best asset. Draft him for a fighter who is always one position away from finishing.
Souza's ratings, explained
Boxing. Fair. He uses punches to set up takedowns and clinches.
Kickboxing. The lowest of his numbers. He rarely relies on kicks.
Wrestling. Very good. He pairs takedowns with a sturdy judo and BJJ base.
BJJ. The peak of his card. He finishes with chokes and armbars, and he can attack from almost any position.
Strength. Strong for the division, particularly in the clinch.
Durability. Good, though he has been hurt by heavy strikers.
Cardio. Fine early, less so late. His best work came before the third round.
Fight IQ. High. He knows how to set up his submissions and to avoid mistakes.
BJJ that ends the fight anywhere
Souza is dangerous on his back as well as on top, which makes takedowns risky for opponents. Once a grappling exchange starts, he is looking for a finish. That is a strong reason to take him.
Not a range fighter: Kickboxing
His kicks are limited, and a rangy opponent can keep him at the end of a jab and leg kick. That leaves him chasing. It is a small hole, but one that a smart striker can use.
Keep exploring
Closest middleweight profiles to Ronaldo Souza, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Brendan Allenbest bjj 91 · weakest kickboxing 80
- Chris Weidmanbest wrestling 93 · weakest kickboxing 80
- Jack Hermanssonbest cardio 88 · weakest kickboxing 77
- Anthony Hernandezbest cardio 94 · weakest kickboxing 76
- Middleweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Ronaldo Souza's strongest attribute, BJJ.
Draft Ronaldo Souza into your build
Ronaldo Souza enters the pool on any spin landing on middleweight between 2010 and 2019. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Ronaldo Souza is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Ronaldo Souza's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.