MMA Comings and Goings
In two moves less than hours apart there were two official MMA comings and goings. Although both were well on their way to happening.
Now former UFC Middleweight title contender and Strikeforce champion Ronaldo Souza has called an end to his MMA fighting career. The 41-year-old Brazilian ends his career on the worst slide he had. “Jacare” leaves the sport dropping his last four, and six of his last eight. Coming out of the regional scene and going into DREAM, he had his best win streak of 10-straight fights.
After 18 years fighting in a cage, Souza has hinted on his next move, and it’s a familiar one. He teased getting back into jiu-jitsu where he took hold of a couple of titles. In speaking with COMBATE, he said:
“I’m returning to my training and, who knows, (maybe) I’ll go back to competing (in jiu-jitsu). I’m driven by challenges, and jiu-jitsu is becoming a challenge to me because it’s evolving too much, there are so many new things. It’s beautiful to watch”.
Battling knee injuries late in his UFC run stalled his title hopes in the company. But a beloved by everybody fan and competitor will be missed. His infectious smile and the gator walkout will forever be on UFC highlight reels.
Bellator’s Turn
Julia Budd was as fierce as they come in the Bellator cage.
Budd reigned supreme at Bellator’s female featherweight division until Cris Cyborg showed up. In that stretch from when she also held the title in INVICTA, she won 11-in a row, and six by finish. When people talk about the female G.O.A.T.s in the sport and the Mount Rushmore, she needs to be considered. Her only losses come against Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey, and Cyborg.
After dropping the strap, she rolled two wins by decision, the last one in April against Dayana Silva easily could have gone the other way. It turns out that was the last fight on her contract. She’s now playing the still new to MMA free-agent market. She told MMAJunkie:
“At this stage of my career I’m looking for big fights, money, being valued with an organization, and conversation. I think as being a four-time champion for Bellator I deserve that sit down with Scott Coker and seeing what the next step for my career is there.”
Budd isn’t set against a return, but if money is an issue, the PFL, and a date against Kayla Harrison would suit her fine. And so far she likes what she has heard from management there. Of course, the elephant in the room is the UFC. But that’s a long shot at best. As they have failed multiple times in trying to build a women’s 145 division. Although a rematch with Nunes would suit her just fine.
