Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and UFC vet Jacare Souza formally announced his retirement from MMA on Tuesday.
Souza, 41, revealed his intentions to retire in an interview with Combate this week.
Souza walks away from the sport after over 30 pro fights spanning from the early 2000s to 2021.
Souza made his pro debut in 2003. His first fight on a big stage was in Japan, where he fought for DREAM in 2008. He attained three wins one loss with them before moving to Strikeforce in 2009.
Souza had success early in his Strikeforce run, becoming the promotion’s 185-pound champ in just his third bout for them. He defended the belt once before dropping it to Luke Rockhold in 2011.
UFC became the home of Souza in 2013. He fought for the promotion 16 times, attaining nine wins and seven losses. He headlined four UFC cards in his time.
Souza reportedly parted ways with the UFC in May after losing four consecutive fights. His last fight was a submission loss to Andre Muniz at UFC 262 earlier this year.
Knockdown News 