Ronaldo Souza explains why he was unable to step in to fight Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, and vows to defeat the winner of the bout between Rockhold and Michael Bisping.

When Chris Weidman was forced out of his title fight with Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, naturally everyone looked in the direction of Ronaldo Souza when a replacement was needed. He was coming off a dominating win at UFC 198 over Vitor Belfort, and didn't appear to be injured. Unfortunately though, the latter was not the case - Jacare actually came into the bout with a hurt knee.

He gutted it out to be beat Belfort, but Souza detailed in a release why he was unable to take the Rockhold fight, which eventually went to Michael Bisping (via MMA Fighting):

"I got an offer from the UFC to replace injured Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight at UFC 199, on June 4, against Luke Rockhold, the current champion. Everybody knows my desire to fight for the title and, if possible, in a rematch with Rockhold. However, I can't let the emotion superimpose the reason.

One week before my fight with Vitor Belfort, I felt a pain in my right knee, but still went to battle. I fought well, but was limping as I left the Octagon. The next Monday, I was examined by doctor Alexandre Campello, who recommended a MRI to better analyze the situation. While I was waiting for the results, I heard about Weidman's injury. I would only be able to answer the UFC's offer when I knew what I had in my knee. On Wednesday afternoon, with the MRI results, it was decided that I would go through an arthroscopy on Thursday as part of the recovery process for a minor meniscus injury.

Thereby, I can't be fit for such an important fight on June 4. Michael Bisping is the new challenger, and I wish him and Rockhold a great fight. I want to face the winner of this fight soon and, no matter who wins, I will be ready to destroy him and become the new middleweight champion.

I would also like to thank the love from my fans, in person or on social media. I got thousands of messages every day, always supporting me and congratulating me for my work. I'm happy to know that. I also thank the UFC for understanding, and also say thank you to every member of my team.

See you soon in the Octagon!"

Apparently Jacare will be out about four weeks before he can return to training. Bisping/Rockhold will headline UFC 199 on June 4th in Los Angeles.