Jairzinho Rozenstruik showcased his expertise in the octagon. Shamil Gaziev attempted to make a statement at UFC Fight Night over the weekend, but it was Rozenstruik who emerged victorious.
Rozenstruik has experienced the highs and lows of competing as a heavyweight prospect. With a strong start to his career followed by some challenges, he was determined to outshine his opponent Gaziev, who was looking to follow a similar path. However, Gaziev fell short of his goals.
Throughout the fight, Rozenstruik effectively countered Gaziev’s aggressive approach. Despite Gaziev’s size advantage, he struggled to execute takedowns, a weakness that Rozenstruik capitalized on with precise strikes. By the third round, Rozenstruik had visibly damaged Gaziev’s nose, gaining momentum for an impressive fourth round performance.
The turning point came in Gaziev’s corner before the final round. Referee Marc Goddard intervened after concerns were raised about Gaziev’s vision. It was revealed that Gaziev had sight issues in one eye, prompting Goddard to halt the fight in favor of Rozenstruik, who claimed victory with a fourth-round TKO due to a doctor’s stoppage.
“I stuck to my game plan and it paid off,” Rozenstruik shared with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier in his post-fight interview at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. “As the fight progressed, I could see my strikes were affecting him more. In the end, he couldn’t handle it.”
“I’m taking a moment to regroup and plan my next move… I’m aiming for a return in either July or August. Whoever wants to challenge me, I’m ready,” Rozenstruik declared.
