February 28, 2024 7:40 pm ET
LAS VEGAS– Jairzinho Rozenstruik believes he’s supported the greatest hole in his video game throughout his 10-month layoff entering into Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 238 centerpiece.
Rozenstruik (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) goes back to action following a first-round submission loss to Jailton Almeida in May 2023 when he handles Shamil Gaziev (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in a five-round heavyweight bout at the UFC Apex (ESPN+).
The embellished Surinamese striker entered into the UFC more than 5 years earlier as simply a stand-up hazard. He’s managed himself very well on the ground, however the loss to Almeida marked the very first time he had actually been sent.
That showed as something of a wake-up call for Rozenstruik, and he stated he’s worked vigilantly on his grappling in current months.
(My layoff was) absolutely unwinding and concentrating on my skillset,” Rozenstruik informed MMA Junkie and other press reporters at UFC Fight Night 238 media day. “Especially taking some fumbling and jiu-jitsu classes. It ended up being a routine, force of habit and things like that. … In the start, it felt (irritating), however after a while of doing it, you’re going to begin welcoming it. I’m at that point.”
Rozenstruik will require his anti-grappling to hold up this weekend. Gaziev can be a force on the mat, and will likely put Rozenstruik’s improvement to the test at some time in the battle.
It’s a circumstance where Rozenstruik relatively has the most to lose. He’s 1-3 in his previous 4 battles, and this will mark his 5th time headlining a UFC card. Gaziev, on the other hand, has actually just made one previous octagon look, and it was the opening bout of a numbered card.
“If the UFC picked the guy as a centerpiece, then you understand he’s a huge offer,” Rozenstruik stated. “He has a best record. You’ve got to provide him his props. You’ve got to take him severe. 12-0. It’s not that he’s not doing anything. This weekend, he’s going to get a test.
“I’m really pleased the UFC see the centerpiece quality in me. It’s certainly a huge chance. I can’t wait to enter there this Saturday and do my thing. I absolutely believe they see me as a guy you can put there and finish the job. I’m delighted they acknowledge that. Now the day’s nearly there for me to do my part.”
If Rozenstruik, 35, can manage a big win and hinder his unbeaten challenger, he wishes to make a summer season turn-around. This run is going to be approached in a different way than in the past, he stated.
With battles versus Almeida, Alexander Volkanovski, Curtis Blaydes, Ciryl Gane, Junior Dos Santos, Francis Ngannou, Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski currently on his resume, Rozenstruik has actually currently tasted much of the leading level. It’s been with blended success, nevertheless, and for him, that’s unsatisfactory.
