Jacare’s Manager Claims Michael Bisping Is Running From Contenders

Gilbert Faria is the longtime manager for former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza, one of the top contenders to UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping, whom Faria says is running away from the division’s top contenders.

"The ideal would be a fight in late January, or February," Faria said to MMA Fighting. "About Luke’s interview saying that he will be ready to fight in March, that’s very uncertain. The way Bisping is, he will find a way to fight Dan Henderson again, or someone from the welterweight division, or against someone retired, and continue avoiding a top contender. Don’t be surprised if ‘Jacare’ vs. Romero 2 happens first."

Outside of a fight with Bisping, Souza also would like to fight Luke Rockhold or avenge a loss to Yoel Romero.

"Everything is still open, we’re waiting for a position from the UFC," Faria said. "’Jacare’ wants to fight Luke Rockhold, Bisping or even Yoel Romero. In other words, a fight that gives him a title shot, or a title fight. Dana (White) knows what ‘Jacare’ wants now, which is wait. ‘Jacare’ will take two weeks off to recover from the training camp he did for the Luke fight that fell off, and the weight cut he did in New York for UFC 205, a weight cut that was different than we usually do for dates we have planned."

Souza was expected to compete this Saturday Night at UFC Fight Night 101, but was pulled from the event after opponent Luke Rockhold suffered an injury.