Jacare Souza and Chris Weidman left it all in the Octagon during the UFC 230 main event, with Souza coming out on top after a third round knockout.
Jacare Souza is looking for an elusive UFC title shot after not getting one during an eight-fight win streak (three of which were in Strikeforce). Since then, he is 3-3, looking to recover from a loss to Kelvin Gastelum in his last outing.
Chris Weidman is a former middleweight champion looking to get back to the top of the division. The Long Islander recently snapped a three-fight skid that included losing his title to Luke Rockhold. Weidman channeled his old self by submitting Kelvin Gastelum in his last appearance last year.
Jacare took the center of the Octagon right away, forcing him near the cage. Weidman checked a leg kick then landed a jab. Weidman countered a Jacare right hand with a left hand over the top. Weidman was able to get a Muay Thai clinch and landed a knee to the head before Souza was able to land a punch after a near takedown. Weidman rocked Souza with a one-two combo, then landed another right hand. Souza was looking for a big overhand, but Weidman stayed consistent with his jab to keep Souza honest. Weidman continued to pepper Souza, but Souza fired back with a body shot that stung Weidman, then wobbled him with a right hand. Weidman regained his composure and focused on his jab for the remainder of the round.
Souza landed an overhand to start the round but Weidman fired back with a pair of right hands. Weidman continued to land from distance until Souza had enough and closed the distance to throw shot for shot with the former champ. Weidman landed another right hand that sent Souza to the fence, then it was Souza’s turn to fire away. Weidman caught a head kick and pushed Jacare to the canvas. Weidman followed to the clinch and eventually took Souza down, hopping on his back. Souza rolled out of it, and both fighters stood up at the final seconds of the round.
Souza landed a hard leg kick to start the final round. Souza landed a hard right hand and Weidman answered with a body kick. Combinations were flying from both fighters and Souza was able to land a right hand over the top that floored Weidman. Weidman was out but the referee did not stop the fight, forcing Jacare to land a few more unnecessary shots.
Jacare Souza def. Chris Weidman by TKO (Punches) in Round 3 (2:46)
