![Ronaldo Jacare Souza]()
Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza should be the first man to challenge
Michael 'The Count' Bisping for his recently acquired
UFC World Middleweight Title. Or, at least, that's what the man himself said when speaking with
MMA Fighting.
Following Michael Bisping's shock defeat of Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, other contenders in the middleweight division have been quick to call him out, not least former champion Chris Weidman.
However, Weidman is coming off a loss and has recently undergone surgery, and Rockhold will probably need six months out following his KO defeat. Bisping has hinted at a surprise, which some have suggested could be a grudge match with veteran Dan Henderson. However, the most deserving candidate for most would be the jiu jitsu sensation, Ronaldo Souza, and according to a recent interview with
MMA Fighting, he thinks he is the man in pole position:
"I'm not afraid at all, I think I deserve the title shot...
"Even if they give me somebody else to fight before the title shot, I might take it and spank someone. But I know I have the right to be the next one."
It has been speculated that the UFC may make 'Jacare' wait one more fight before giving him his chance because he passed up the chance to replace Weidman against Rockhold in California.
However, the Brazilian's only loss since 2011 was to Yoel Romero in a controversial split-decision, after which the Cuban failed a drug test, and he would surely be Bisping's sternest test.