
UFC Part Ways with Jairzinho Rozenstruik After Lackluster Performance in Saudi Arabia
Jairzinho Rozenstruik, a veteran of the UFC with 15 bouts under his belt, has reportedly been released from the promotion following a disappointing performance at UFC Saudi Arabia. The heavy-handed Surinamese fighter's tenure in the UFC came to an end after a lackluster unanimous decision loss to Sergei Pavlovich on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh. The fight, which was part of the UFC Saudi Arabia main card, was a top 15 heavyweight clash that had fans and analysts alike questioning the state of the heavyweight division.
Rozenstruik, who had been on a two-fight win streak, struggled throughout the bout, with Pavlovich capitalizing on Rozenstruik’s slower pace. The fight was described by many as a "snoozefest," and the crowd in Riyadh voiced their displeasure, as it was the only fight of the night to receive boos. Dana White, UFC’s president, did not hold back during the post-fight press conference, criticizing the fight as "horrible" but acknowledging that Pavlovich had earned the win despite the lack of excitement. White compared the fight to other underwhelming heavyweight bouts, like the infamous Francis Ngannou vs. Derrick Lewis clash, suggesting that it simply wasn’t Rozenstruik’s night.
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Rozenstruik’s release from the UFC came just days after the fight, marking a bitter end to his career with the organization. With a UFC record of 9 wins and 6 losses, Rozenstruik leaves behind a mixed legacy. He scored impressive victories over fighters like Alistair Overeem, Tai Tuivasa, and Junior dos Santos, but he also faced setbacks against top contenders like Francis Ngannou, Curtis Blaydes, and Alexander Volkov. Despite his explosive knockout power, Rozenstruik's inconsistency and tendency to deliver less-than-entertaining bouts in recent years led to his exit.
The heavyweight division, currently in flux, is looking for new contenders, and Rozenstruik's departure only adds to the question of who will step up next. Interim champion Tom Aspinall, for instance, recently voiced his frustrations with the division’s pace and called on Jon Jones to stop delaying their long-awaited fight. Rozenstruik’s exit could create more space for new contenders, but it also signals a shift in the UFC's priorities when it comes to how heavyweight fighters are perceived.
While there has been no official statement from Rozenstruik on his release, there is speculation about his next move. Given his skill set and popularity, the 36-year-old could look to sign with other top promotions, such as PFL or Bare Knuckle FC. These organizations have recently seen success by bringing in former UFC heavyweights, and Rozenstruik's next chapter might find him in a similar setting.
For now, the future of "Bigi Boy" remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: after six years and a number of memorable moments inside the Octagon, his UFC journey has come to an abrupt end.
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