Tag: Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Jairzinho Rozenstruik Blames Paint Fumes, Injury For UFC Saudi Arabia Loss: ‘I Felt Dizzy’

Jairzinho Rozenstruik has finally spoken out after being cut from the UFC roster. Rozenstruik endured a crushing unanimous decision defeat this past weekend against former interim UFC heavyweight title challenger Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The bout was disappointingly lopsided, prompting criticism from UFC CEO Dana White in its aftermath. Shockingly, just […]

Jairzinho Rozenstruik has finally spoken out after being cut from the UFC roster.

Rozenstruik endured a crushing unanimous decision defeat this past weekend against former interim UFC heavyweight title challenger Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The bout was disappointingly lopsided, prompting criticism from UFC CEO Dana White in its aftermath.

Shockingly, just two days later, news broke that “Bigi Boy” had been released from his UFC contract, bringing an end to his six-year run with the promotion.

On Thursday, Rozenstruik took to social media to address the UFC’s decision and reflect on his underwhelming performance. Interestingly, he partially attributed his struggles to the locker room’s paint fumes, claiming they left him feeling dizzy before the fight.

“I came to Riyadh to win and pull off the upset. After a strong fight week, I felt dizzy on Saturday due to the paint fumes. Then, just 70 seconds into the fight, I injured my left foot. The moment my switch kick landed on his elbow, I felt it instantly and knew the fight would play out differently than planned.

“At the end of 2018, I signed my first contract with the @ufc, embarking on an incredible journey. I’ve been honored to compete on the biggest stage, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to the UFC staff for their professionalism and support over the years. Thank you.

“From being Rookie of the Year to becoming an MMA veteran, this has been an unforgettable adventure. While this chapter closes, my story is far from over. I will continue to fight, take on new challenges, and settle unfinished business in the cage. I’m ready for whatever comes next!” Rozenstruik wrote on X.

“Bigi Boy” made his Octagon debut in in February 2019 with a third-round knockout victory over Junior Albini, eventually amassing a promotional record of 9-6, with eight of those wins coming by knockout.

However, Rozenstruik struggled to find his rhythm in the later stages of his tenure, falling short of his true potential as he went 5-6 in his last 11 outings.

UFC ‘Trying To Send A Message’ By Releasing Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Suggests Former Title Challenger

One ranked UFC contender thinks they know the reasoning behind the decision to cut heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik from his contract. Rozenstruik arrived in Saudi Arabia last week off the back of consecutive victories inside the Octagon and with an opportunity to climb into title contention with a victory over a top five contender in Sergei […]

One ranked UFC contender thinks they know the reasoning behind the decision to cut heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik from his contract.

Rozenstruik arrived in Saudi Arabia last week off the back of consecutive victories inside the Octagon and with an opportunity to climb into title contention with a victory over a top five contender in Sergei Pavlovich.

Instead, “Bigi Boy” exited the anb Arena with a loss added to his record and his UFC tenure over.

After a decision defeat in a lackluster three-round contest with the Russian former interim title challenger, Rozenstruik was quickly released by the UFC. That decision came shortly after Dana White had described the fight as “horrible” during his post-fight press conference.

While the Surinamese heavyweight has long faced criticism for a safe and gun-shy style, the decision to cut him still turned plenty of surprised heads in the community.

Recent lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano appeared on X to give his two cents, suggesting that the promotion may be using Rozenstruik as an opportunity to send a message to the entire heavyweight roster.

“That’s crazy they cut Jairzinho! 2 losses on the last 5 fights! I think UFC is trying to send a message to heavyweights!”

That would no doubt be music to the ears of interim champ Tom Aspinall, who bemoaned the current state of heavyweight fights in a social media post this past weekend.

He’ll look to bring his usual entertaining style back to the cage in 2025, be it in a long-awaited unification showdown with Jon Jones or a title defense against a top contender.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik Released By UFC Following Gun-Shy Performance In Saudi Arabia

Heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s display in the Middle East this past weekend was enough to signal the end of his UFC journey. Rozenstruik featured on the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, sharing the Octagon with a fellow power-puncher in Sergei Pavlovich. While that left many predicting a knockout one way or the other, fans […]

Heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s display in the Middle East this past weekend was enough to signal the end of his UFC journey.

Rozenstruik featured on the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, sharing the Octagon with a fellow power-puncher in Sergei Pavlovich. While that left many predicting a knockout one way or the other, fans inside Riyadh’s anb Arena instead witnessed three rounds of lackluster action.

The Russian ultimately had his hand raised after getting the nod on all three scorecards, but neither man has been exempt from criticism in the aftermath.

For “Bigi Boy,” the bout marked his latest gun-shy performance. The Surinamese behemoth has produced plenty of highlights inside the Octagon, knocking out the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Alistair Overeem, and Chris Daukaus. But he’s also frequently been criticized for a perceived safe approach in other outings.

And the UFC evidently shares the frustration of the fanbase.

Just days on from the Feb. 1 event in Saudi Arabia, Rozenstruik has been released from his contract. After the @UFCRosterWatch account on X first flagged his removal from the roster, MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin confirmed the release.

Rozenstruik departs having gone 9-6 under the UFC banner. The 36-year-old featured in six main events and collected three Performance of the Night bonuses.

It remains to be seen what will come next for “Bigi Boy,” but fans are already speculating about a potential move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in the coming weeks and months.

Tom Aspinall Reacts To Lackluster Pavlovich vs. Rozenstruik: ‘These Heavyweight Fights Absolutely Stink!’

Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall was among those unimpressed by Sergei Pavlovich’s decision win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik this past Saturday. Two of the division’s biggest power punchers collided on the main card of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, which marked the mixed martial arts leader’s second visit to Saudi Arabia. While the crowd inside […]

Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall was among those unimpressed by Sergei Pavlovich’s decision win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik this past Saturday.

Two of the division’s biggest power punchers collided on the main card of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, which marked the mixed martial arts leader’s second visit to Saudi Arabia.

While the crowd inside the anb Arena anticipated a knockout, they were instead treated to three rounds of lackluster action between the Russian and Surinamese behemoths, with the former emerging victorious on the scorecards.

Many fans were quick to express their discontent with the two fighters, and they weren’t the only ones bemused by how the bout unfolded.

Aspinall took to his Instagram Stories to slam his former opponent and “Bigi Boy,” before calling for his return in order to bring “excitement” back to the weight class.

Tom Aspinall

“These heavyweight fights lately absolutely stink,” Aspinall wrote. “Let’s get some excitement back and stop holding it up.”

Aspinall has held the interim belt since a first-round knockout triumph over Pavlovich in November 2023. He’s since defended it in a rematch with Curtis Blaydes, which he also won by way of stoppage in the opening frame.

All the while, Jon Jones has sat on the heavyweight throne and repeatedly dismissed a unification showdown, instead choosing to face Stipe Miocic last November in New York City.

Dana White has insisted that he intends on booking Jones vs. Aspinall in 2025, but it remains to be seen whether or not that will come to fruition. In his most recent remarks, the UFC CEO admitted the promotion could “move on” from the matchup.

‘Division Has Been Sh*t Since Ngannou Left’ – Fans React As Sergei Pavlovich Nets Lackluster Decision Over Jairzinho Rozenstruik At UFC Saudi Arabia

Early on at UFC Saudi Arabia, we witnessed what happens when there is a heavyweight highlight thanks to Shamil Gaziev’s first-round knockout of Thomas Petersen. Ranked contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, however, provided the polar opposite of such an outing during the main card portion of the evening. Both fighters took a patient approach, […]

Early on at UFC Saudi Arabia, we witnessed what happens when there is a heavyweight highlight thanks to Shamil Gaziev’s first-round knockout of Thomas Petersen. Ranked contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, however, provided the polar opposite of such an outing during the main card portion of the evening.

Both fighters took a patient approach, with neither man looking to pull the trigger and go to the next level. While Pavlovich landed the bigger shots, he did not connect with anything that would wobble and trouble Rozenstruik.

The former interim title challenger instead took “Bigi Boy” down, with his top control leading him to sweeping the judges’ scorecards.

Sergei Pavlovich Scores Decision Win In Snoozefest At UFC Saudi Arabia

This win bounces Pavlovich back from a pair of losses to current interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov.

Rozenstruik, meanwhile, is now 3-2 in his last five fights.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Odds and Match Preview

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik - Odds and Match PreviewSergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s heavyweight clash at UFC Fight Night on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,…

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik - Odds and Match Preview

Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s heavyweight clash at UFC Fight Night on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be an explosive encounter between two of the division’s most powerful strikers. Both fighters are known for their knockout power, making this bout a potential show-stealer on the card.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Odds

The betting odds for the upcoming heavyweight fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik heavily favor Pavlovich as the likely winner. Across the top betting apps, Pavlovich is listed as a significant favorite, with odds ranging from -310 to -235 depending on the platform.

This means bettors need to wager between $235 and $310 on Pavlovich to win $100. On the other hand, Rozenstruik is the underdog, with odds ranging from +185 to +260, meaning a $100 bet on him could yield a profit of $185 to $260 if he wins. 

The odds reflect Pavlovich’s reputation as a high-volume striker with devastating knockout power, despite his recent two-fight losing streak. Rozenstruik, while also known for his knockout ability and kickboxing pedigree, is seen as less likely to overcome Pavlovich’s reach and aggressive striking output. 

For Sergei Pavlovich, this fight is critical. He is coming off two consecutive losses, one via knockout to Tom Aspinall and another decision loss to Alexander Volkov. A win is essential for him to remain a viable contender in the division and to regain momentum in his career. 

On the other hand, Jairzinho Rozenstruik is looking to climb back into the top tier of the division after a mixed run of form. Both fighters are at a crossroads in their careers, and a victory here could significantly impact their standings.

Pavlovich is a striking specialist with a background in Greco-Roman wrestling and combat sambo. However, his primary weapon is his devastating knockout power. Despite his wrestling foundation, Pavlovich prefers to keep fights standing and overwhelm opponents with his striking. 

Rozenstruik comes from a decorated kickboxing background. He relies on heavy hands and powerful low kicks to dismantle opponents. His striking is straightforward but effective.

This fight is unlikely to go the distance. Pavlovich will look to use his speed and aggression to take control early, while Rozenstruik will aim to counter with his heavy hands and low kicks. With both men needing a win to stay relevant in the heavyweight title picture, expect an intense and high-stakes showdown.