Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza is a name that resonates with mixed martial arts (MMA) fans worldwide.
Known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and impressive MMA career, Jacaré has left an indelible mark on the sport.
This article teaches you about Jacare Souza’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Jacare Souza’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronaldo Souza dos Santos |
| Nickname | Jacaré (Alligator) |
| Born | December 7, 1979 |
| Age | 44 |
| Weight | 84 kg |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-5 million |
| Salary | Varied per fight |
| Wife | Larissa Carvalho |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @ronaldojacare |
Early Career
Ronaldo Souza’s journey in martial arts began at age 17 in Manaus, Brazil. Initially training in judo, he quickly transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Henrique Machado.
Souza’s natural talent and dedication saw him rise rapidly through the ranks, earning his black belt in just 5 years.
His early success in BJJ competitions, including multiple world championships, laid the foundation for his transition to MMA.
Professional Career
Jacaré made his MMA debut in 2003, facing a tough loss against Jorge Patino. However, this setback only fueled his determination.
Souza’s career took a significant turn when he joined Strikeforce in 2009, where he eventually became the Middleweight Champion.
His UFC debut in 2013 marked the beginning of a new chapter, where he faced some of the toughest competitors in the middleweight division.
Throughout his UFC career, Jacaré was known for his explosive takedowns, powerful strikes, and submission prowess, earning him a reputation as one of the most feared grapplers in MMA.
Wife
Ronaldo Souza is married to Larissa Carvalho. The couple has been together for many years and has 3 children.
Jacaré often credits his family for providing the support and motivation needed to succeed in his demanding career.
Jacare Souza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jacare Souza’s net worth is estimated to be between $3-5 million.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 262 | André Muniz | $210,000 |
| UFC 256 | Kevin Holland | $210,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 164 | Jan Blachowicz | $210,000 |
| UFC 230 | Chris Weidman | $290,000 |
| UFC 224 | Kelvin Gastelum | $210,000 |
| UFC on FOX 27 | Derek Brunson | $140,000 |
Endorsements
Throughout his career, Jacaré has been associated with several endorsements, including:
- Venum (fight gear and apparel)
- Reebok (during UFC’s partnership)
- Hayabusa (training equipment)
- Onnit (supplements)
- Various Brazilian brands and local sponsors
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| André Muniz | Loss | UFC 262 | May 15, 2021 |
| Kevin Holland | Loss | UFC 256 | Dec 12, 2020 |
| Jan Blachowicz | Loss | UFC Fight Night 164 | Nov 16, 2019 |
| Jack Hermansson | Loss | UFC Fight Night 150 | Apr 27, 2019 |
| Chris Weidman | Win | UFC 230 | Nov 3, 2018 |
| Kelvin Gastelum | Loss | UFC 224 | May 12, 2018 |
| Derek Brunson | Win | UFC on FOX 27 | Jan 27, 2018 |
| Robert Whittaker | Loss | UFC on FOX 24 | Apr 15, 2017 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza?
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist and 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He is a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and an ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion, widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in MMA history.
2. Why is Ronaldo Souza called “Jacare”?
“Jacare,” meaning alligator in Portuguese, is Souza’s nickname, derived from the symbol of his first BJJ team, ASLE. It reflects his tenacity and dominance in combat sports.
3. What are Jacare Souza’s major BJJ achievements?
Souza is a two-time IBJJF World Champion as a black belt, an ADCC champion, and has won numerous titles including the CBJJO World Cup and Brazilian National Championships. He was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2024.
4. How successful was Jacare Souza in MMA?
Souza had an MMA record of 26 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest. He competed in top promotions like UFC, Strikeforce, and DREAM, achieving notable victories over fighters like Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort.
5. What was Jacare Souza’s fighting style?
Souza was known for his exceptional grappling skills, combining BJJ expertise with powerful striking. He secured 14 wins by submission and 8 by knockout during his MMA career.
