- The heavyweight clash between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev headlines the UFC card this weekend in Las Vegas.
- Rozenstruik is coming off a loss, and Gaziev is still undefeated in his MMA career.
- Rozenstruik is the betting underdog at +120, while Gaziev is the -145 betting favorite.
The UFC will come home to the APEX Center in Las Vegas this weekend as they feature a massive heavyweight showdown between the No. 12-ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik and undefeated prospect Shamil Gaziev in the main event of the card.
No slowing down 🔥
Heavyweights Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev are headlining Saturday at #UFCVegas87! pic.twitter.com/tHtqi8pNtv
— UFC (@ufc) February 26, 2024
Because of his undefeated professional record, Gaziev will be the slight betting favorite in UFC odds at -145, while Rozenstruik, who absorbed a defeat in his last fight, comes in as the +120 betting underdog.
This will be an all-important match for both athletes as it can drastically change their fate in the heavyweight division. A win for Rozenstruik could see him crack a spot back in the top 10, while a victory for Gaziev can push his name into the top 15 rankings.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik Recent Fight Results
Rozenstruik was signed by the UFC in 2019 after winning his first six pro bouts in different organizations. He made his promotional debut in February 2019 and racked up four straight victories with wins over Júnior Albini, Allen Crowder, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem.
It's no secret Bigi Boy can end your night QUICKLY 😤@JairRozenstruik is back in the Octagon this Saturday! #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/L9P37dH0mz
— UFC (@ufc) February 26, 2024
In May 2020, Rozenstruik ran into Ngannou and was knocked out in the first round in just 20 seconds to sustain his first career loss. Since that devastating defeat, “Bigi Boy” has only won three of his last seven fights in the UFC, including his latest fight with Jailton Almeida, who submitted him in the first round.
Shamil Gaziev Recent Fight Results
Gaziev is an undefeated heavyweight prospect who came off Dana White’s Contender Series from its Season 7, Week 7 edition, where he submitted Greg Velasco. That performance impressed White and got Gaziev an outright contract to fight for the promotion.
The pressure of Shamil Gaziev is relentless in that Octagon 😮💨
He's coming for another finish this Saturday at #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/gOVRZ9ITgX
— UFC (@ufc) February 26, 2024
The KHK MMA Team representative made a successful debut in the UFC in December after scoring a second-round TKO finish on Martin Buday at UFC 296 and sending shockwaves to other contenders in the division.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev: Tale of the Tape
| Jairzinho Rozenstruik | Shamil Gaziev | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 35 | 34 |
| Height | 6’2” | 6’4” |
| Reach | 78 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Record | 13-5 | 12-0 |
| Leg Reach | 41 inches | 45 inches |
| Fighting Style | MMA | MMA |
| Finishing Rate | 92% | 92% |
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev: Fight Analysis
On paper, Gaziev will have the upper hand because he will enjoy 2 inches of height, half an inch of reach, and 4 inches of leg reach advantages against Rozenstruik, which could be crucial, especially when they engage on the feet.
Apart from their physical disparity, their fighting style and finish rate are identical, as both have an MMA approach and a 92% finish rate. They pack incredible power in their hands, and literally, one punch could change the course of the match.
Rozenstruik excels when he is the counterpuncher because he times his punches and sneaks them in against his opponents. Once they open their defense, the Surinamese MMA star capitalizes on their vulnerability to unload a powerful punch.
On the other hand, Gaziev excels when he uses his full-length reach to inflict damage on his opposition. He can also put his opponents unconscious with one strike. But aside from the threat of his striking, he could also grapple and transition into a submission maneuver.
This elite-level grappling of Gaziev will spell the difference in this upcoming fight because he could close the distance and take Rozenstruik down the mat and work on a submission or pepper him with ground-and-pound strikes. Additionally, it will nullify Rozenstruik’s one-shot power.
Official Prediction: TKO/KO victory for Shamil Gaziev.
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