Middleweight stars Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza set to throw down Down Under

THE next UFC show to hit Australia has an A-list main event with world title implications.

Former UFC and Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold takes on former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza in a top-drawer rematch at Melbourne’s iconic Rod Laver Arena – home of tennis’ Australian Open – on Saturday November 26.

Rockhold defeated Jacare to claim Strikeforce in just his ninth professional bout back in 2011, and went on to become the undisputed UFC middleweight champion with a dominant performance and stoppage win over Chris Weidman at UFC 194.

But that title reign proved to be shortlived, as Rockhold lost his belt in his very first title defence, knocked out by Britain’s Michael Bisping at UFC 199 in Los Angeles.

Stung by that defeat, Rockhold is desperate to get back to the top of the middleweight mountain and faces former foe Souza with a title shot almost certainly awaiting the victor.

Heavy-handed submission ace ‘Jacare’ Souza is renowned as one of the middleweight division’s toughest contenders.

His run towards the middleweight title hit the brakes when he lost out to fellow contender Yoel Romero by split decision at UFC 194 in a bout many observers thought he won.

He bounced back with a first-round TKO finish of Vitor Belfort at UFC 198 in May to set up a mouthwatering Melbourne return with Rockhold in October.