Heavyweights factored big on the UFC 252 card. In the main event, of course, which saw the rubber match in the trilogy between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. But also earlier on the PPV card, as Junior Dos Santos took on Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Both the former heavyweight champ and the powerful kickboxer from Suriname entered the night off losses. But heavyweight being what it is, whoever had their hand raised would likely be right back in the mix.
The respect was clear early from both fighters, with Rozenstruik landing some low kicks and dos Santos going to the body — neither over-committed on anything to start. dos Santos was the first to let loose with a big kick and then his patented overhand right. A caught kick from Rozenstruik led to a big rush from the Surinamese heavyweight, but nothing significant landed. The round closed with more of the same, with the exception of a shot to the family jewels of dos Santos.
Both fighters continued to look tentative in the early part of the second. Rozenstuik did most of his early work with the low kicks and dos Santos continued to pump the jab with the occasional shot to the body. Halfway through the round, dos Santos got the read he liked and landed the right hand. That shot seemed to anger Bigi Boy, who cranked up the pressure until he landed his right hand. dos Santos immediately appeared to be in trouble and Rozenstruik didn’t give him an inch to recover.
Can't knock that smile off JDS 😄 #UFC252 pic.twitter.com/roXtnbo5oq
— UFC (@ufc) August 16, 2020
As expected the big win puts Rozenstruik right back in the mix. With Francis Ngannou waiting as the next challenger following Miocic vs. Cormier 3, however, “Bigi Boi” may end up fighting once before before any shot at gold.
Official Result: Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Junior dos Santos by TKO, Round 2, 3:47
