“Jacare” Souza details brutal health problems that have kept him out of action

This weekend, in the main event of the UFC’s anticipated trip to Charlotte, former Strikeforce middleweight champ and long-time UFC contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will step into the cage for the first time since an April 2017 loss to Robert Whittaker.

Speaking to MMAJunkie.com, Souza shared the details on the injury – and subsequent health problems – that have kept him out of the cage for so long. Apparently, it all began with a torn pectoral muscle. As he recovered from the surgery for this injury, he was hit with an “appendix issue.” It’s called appendicitis. You’ve probably heard of it.

“I was already thinking about getting back (from the injury),” Jacare said. “I was happy about returning and then I had the appendix issue.”

“It burst,” he added. “It was quite complicated. There was a lot of pain. I had surgery, and I was in the hospital for seven days. Then I get home, and who shows up there? (The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency). There I was, with an ice bag on my belly, all busted up, and there they were getting blood and pee from me.”

“I’m not complaining (about USADA). I love it. They’re making a cleaner sport.”

With these health issues behind him, the Brazilian is understandably excited to get back in there.

“Being back this quickly is a blessing,” he said.

“I always finish what I start,” he added. “And I think, ‘No, I know I haven’t finished my purpose in the UFC.’ I haven’t. Many people might not believe it, but I do. I believe I will win. I will move forward. I will be OK. I will perform well. I will be in shape. I will be back.”

“I’m ready. That’s all I can say about my next fight. I’m ready. I’m doing good. I’m happy. I’m going to look good on the 27th.”

How do you think Jacare will perform after this long layoff?

“Being back this quickly is a blessing,” Souza said.