Jairzinho Rozenstruik has a plan in mind to jumpstart his division.
The UFC heavyweight contender feels the weight class has lost stream as champion Stipe Miocic has been unable to defend his title since wining it back in a rematch with Daniel Cormier back in August 2019. Injury from Miocic’s part has delayed the potential trilogy bout, and now with the UFC postponing events indefinitely due to the ongoing global pandemic, it seems it may be a good while until the heavyweight belt jumps back into circulation.
Rozenstruik (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) believes the implementation of an interim title could bring some life back to heavyweight.
“I think the heavyweight division needs that,” Ngannou told MMA Junkie. “It’s kind of slowed down with the Stipe and Cormier fight, and we don’t know when the champ is going to return. So for now, put in an interim belt. I think the heavyweight (division) needs it to move forward.”
Rozenstruik was originally scheduled to take on fellow knockout artist and contender Francis Ngannou in the main event of UFC’s canceled Ohio card on March 28. The fight was moved to April 18 for UFC 249, but just last week the UFC was forced to cancel that event, as well, due to COVID-19 concerns.
Rozenstruik wants his bout with Ngannou to be for the interim title, whenever that gets rescheduled.
“What’s better than to fight for a title in a big match?” Rozenstruik asked. “It’s already a big match, and if you put in the (interim) title, it’s going to be more interesting for both of us. But for now, it’s still the same: It’s a fight. I want it really bad, and when it happens, I’ll be in the best shape ever.”
“Bigi Boy” lives in Suriname but trains out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. The undefeated contender plans to stay in the Sunshine State for a bit longer in hopes of getting a new date for his bout with Ngannou.
“For now, we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Rozenstruik explained. “They’re going to come back, I think, in 10 days, so we have to give them (UFC) some time to see what they can do. So I’m waiting; I have no problem. We’re all in this situation, and I know everyone is having a rough time, so it’s understandable.
“I’m going to stay in Florida see what’s going to happen – wait till I get an update, and then I’ll make the decision whether I’m going to go home or I’m going to stay and wait.”
Check out the full interview with Rozenstruik in the video below.
