Jacare Souza ready to make UFC return following surgery

In May, Jacare Souza picked up arguably the biggest win of his UFC career when he defeated Vitor Belfort via 1st round TKO. With the win, Souza became the presumptive #1 contender at middleweight, leading many to expect him to get a title shot over the winner of UFC 199’s Rockhold-Weidman rematch.

With just two weeks to go before UFC 199, Chris Weidman was forced out of his fight with Luke Rockhold. While many hoped Souza would get the call to step-in on short notice, he revealed that he was preparing to undergo knee surgery. Ultimately the UFC selected Michael Bisping as a fill-in opponent for Rockhold.

Now, in the wake of Bisping’s knockout win over Rockhold, Souza is ready to return to the Octagon whenever the UFC calls him.

He spoke to MMAFighting:

“I can guarantee you that I’m physically better than anyone in the middleweight division today. I’m training, running, jumping. I’m healthier and physically better than anyone in this division.

“Whenever they book the fight, and I’m sure it’s going to be for the belt, I’ll start my camp. No one has earned it more than me. I’m just waiting for the call from the UFC. I believe they will look at it in a meritocracy aspect, and it can’t be anyone but me. I’m waiting for the date.”