With Dmitry Sosnovskiy off the card, RIZIN alum Jair Rozenstruik steps up to face Junior Albini at UFC Fortaleza.
Brazilian heavyweight Junior Albini has a new opponent for his return to the octagon in February. An updated fight card from UFC broadcaster ESPN shows Albini now facing promotional newcomer Jair Rozenstruik at UFC Fortaleza. Albini was originally scheduled to face Dmitry Sosnovskiy at the Fight Night event, but it appears plans have changed.
The UFC Fight Night 144 card, as the Fortaleza event is otherwise known, airs exclusively on streaming service ESPN+ in the United States.
Jair Rozenstruik (6-0) brings a perfect record with five finishes with him when he debuts at UFC Fortaleza. Hailing from Paramaribo, Suriname, the powerful heavyweight has fought mostly on the regional circuit in Suriname and Russia. He did, however, make an appearance against Andrey Kovalev for RIZIN FF last year, which resulted in the lone decision on his record.
Brazil’s Junior Albini (14-4) has his back against the wall heading into the fight. Having lost two straight, against Andrei Arlovski and Alexey Oleynik, he needs to correct course quickly if he hopes to remain in the organization. Albini’s last victory was his only win in the UFC, against Tim Johnson at UFC on FOX 25. Johnson later left the promotion, signing with Bellator MMA.
UFC Fortaleza goes down February 2 at the Northeast Olympic Training Center in Fortaleza, Brazil. A rematch between Raphael Assuncao and Marlon Moraes tops the card.
