After two very even rounds, Jacare Souza scored a huge knockout win in the third round against Chris Weidman in the co-main event of UFC 230.
What was the high point of the fight?
A right hand from Weidman staggered Jacare halfway through the first round, but the Brazilian did well to recover and continue to search for a overhand right of his own. Neither men attempted any takedowns in the opening round, with Jacare landing some good liver shots and leg kicks.
Souza turned up the pace in the second round whilst Weidman stayed at range and landed some good combinations off of his jab. In the last round, a massive right hand from Jacare dropped Weidman, Souza was pleading to the referee Dan Miragliotta to stop the fight, and after a few follow-up shots the fight was stopped.
Where do these two go from here?
It’s a hugely disappointing return to the Octagon for Weidman, who before this defeat last fought against Kelvin Gastelum in July 2017. UFC president Dana White recently stated Weidman would be thought as an alternate for Robert Whittaker vs. Gastelum in February, but this loss to Souza means that will not be the case anymore. A fight against Derek Brunson, who also suffered defeat at UFC 230, is one to make for Weidman.
This win is massive for Jacare. After missing out on a title shot when being defeated by Robert Whittaker last year, it looked like Souza would never get his chance at 185-pound gold in the UFC. That has now changed with this win, as he is right back in the title picture. Don’t be surprised if Jacare takes Weidman’s place as an alternate for the middleweight title fight at UFC 234.
Watch it now, later or never?
It won Fight of the Night honors and had a dramatic finish, you should watch it now.