News of Rozenstruik versus Gaziev was first reported by Gaziev’s manager earlier this week, with Rozenstruik confirming the fight was a done deal. “SIGNED! Bigi Boy vs Shamil Gaziev – March 2, 2024,” the Surinamese heavyweight wrote on social media.

A former champion in multiple kickboxing promotions, Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-6) made the transition to MMA first in 2012 but did not jump sports full time until 2017. He arrived in the UFC in 2019 after a stop in RIZIN, and instantly entered the main event picture, toppling Alistair Overeem in a memorable finish at UFC DC in just his fourth fight with the company.

After going 4-0 to start his UFC run, however, Rozenstruik encountered a number of setbacks, falling to Ciryl Gane, Francis Ngannou, and Curtis Blaydes, among others. He’s currently 1-3 in his last four, and coming off a loss against Jailton Almeida.

Gaziev (12-0) is an undefeated prospect out of Bahrain who picked up a win over Martin Buday in his promotional debut at UFC 296. The 33-year old is a product of the 2023 Contender Series.

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place on March 2, 2024 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The following fights have been reported for the event:

• Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez
• Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett
• Ľudovít Klein vs. Joel Álvarez
• Vinicius Oliveira vs Yanis Ghemmouri
• Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev
• Mohammad Yahya vs. Brendan Marotte

The post Jair Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev Booked for UFC Saudi Arabia appeared first on Cageside Press.

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

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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.

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