UFC Fight Night 50 results: Ronaldo Souza dominates Mousasi, earns third-round tap
LEDYARD, Conn. – Ronaldo Souza (21-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC) just may be the scariest man in the middleweight division right now.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu master completely controlled fellow top contender Gegard Mousasi (35-5-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) for nearly 15 minutes before ultimately scoring a third-round submission.
The middleweight bout was the main event of today’s UFC Fight Night 50 event at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Conn. It aired on FOX Sports 1.
Souza looked to take the fight to the floor in the early going, but Mousasi was up to the challenge and remained on his feet. However, Souza remained committed to the takedown and brought the action to the floor at the halfway mark of the first. The first real submission attempt actually came from Souza, who nearly locked in a triangle choke, but Souza pushed it aside and continued to work from top position, where he maneuvered into a late kimura attempt that was thwarted by the bell.
Both fighters opened up on their feet to the start the second, and each had moments of success before Souza changed courses and took the fight to the floor. Mousasi again showed excellent submission defense from his back, but he struggled to mount any type of offense as he was constantly concerned with his opponent’s grappling attacks. Souza again sought a kimura late in the frame, but Mousasi prevented the finish.
Souza was content to box as the third frame began, and he showed his constantly improving striking skills by landing several powerful hooks before going back to the floor. Mousasi was able to work back to his feet, but Souza just tripped him back to the mat. Mousasi even grabbed the cage in an illegal attempt to remain upright, but it was not to be. Mousasi eventually worked to a seated position in hopes of escaping, but Souza latched on to a guillotine choke, fell to his back and earned the submission win at the 4:30 mark of the third frame.
Afterward, Souza, who’s currently ranked No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, staked his claim for No. 1 contender status.
“If anyone doubts that, they’re completely wrong,†Souza said. “Lyoto (Machida) fought this guy for five rounds. I finished him before the fight ended, so if anyone doubts that, they’re completely wrong. I’m next for the title.â€
UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is currently scheduled to meet Vitor Belfort at UFC 181 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 50 results include:
Ronaldo Souza def. Gegard Mousasi via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 4:30
Ben Rothwell def. Alistair Overeem via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:19
Matt Mitrione def. Derrick Lewis via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:41
Joe Lauzon def. Michael Chiesa via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 2, 2:14
John Moraga def. Justin Scoggins via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 0:47
Al Iaquinta def. Rodrigo Damm via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 2:41
Rafael Natal def. Chris Camozzi def. split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Chris Beal def. Tateki Matsuda via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Chas Skelly def. Sean Soriano via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
