LAS VEGAS – Curtis Blaydes got the job done on Saturday night, but failed to notch a memorable win.
The UFC heavyweight contender outpointed Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a unanimous decision on the main card of Saturday’s pay-per-view event. Blaydes (15-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) defeated Rozenstruik (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) with scores of 30-27 across all three judges’ scorecards.
The heavyweight bout was part of the UFC 266 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and ESPN+.
In the first round, Blaydes was able to get a takedown 90 seconds into the fight after an uneventful start on the feet. Blaydes mainly controlled the action, as Rozenstruik did a good job at avoiding any major shots. with two minutes left in the round, Rozenstruik was able to get back to his feet. The fight stayed standing with very little action for the reminding of the round.
That is career takedown 6️⃣0️⃣ for @RazorBlaydes265, extending his UFC heavyweight record 🤼♂️
[ #UFC266 | TUNE IN NOW | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/2qE0lEEWLu ] pic.twitter.com/iyx9AqqkXN
— UFC (@ufc) September 26, 2021
The second was very similar to the first. Rozenstruik was able to keep the fight standing for longer, but wasn’t too active. A good left hand and a flying knee were his two biggest shots. Neither seemed to fully hurt Blaydes, but the flying knee did catch his attention. With two minutes left, Blaydes got a takedown and passed to half guard. Blaydes didn’t do much damage while on top but maintained control until the final bell.
The final round was the least competitive. Blaydes got a takedown halfway through the round and maintained control all throughout. Once again, Blaydes landed ground-and-pound and stayed busy enough to avoid a break, but was never close to stopping Rozenstruik.
Dominant performance for @RazorBlaydes265, who takes the UD victory.
[ #UFC266 | TUNE IN NOW | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/2qE0lEWxD2 ] pic.twitter.com/1Knre3BrHo
— UFC (@ufc) September 26, 2021
Blaydes was coming off a knockout loss to Derrick Lewis back at UFC Fight Night 185 in February. The loss to Lewis snapped a four-fight winning streak.
The 30-year-old admitted he played it “safe” in his post-fight interview, as his right shut halfway through the fight from a Rozenstruik shot. Blaydes called for fights with Stipe Miocic or Jon Jones among a few other names.
Meanwhile, Rozenstruik is now 2-3 in his past five performances. He’s been unable to string consecutive victories since suffering his first professional loss to Francis Ngannou back in May 2020.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 266 results include:
- Curtis Blaydes def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jessica Andrade def. Cynthia Calvillo via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:54
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Marlon Moraes via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:25
- Dan Hooker def. Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Chris Daukaus def. Shamil Abdurakhimov via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:23
- Taila Santos def. Roxanne Modafferi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jalin Turner def. Uros Medic via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:01
- Nick Maximov def. Cody Brundage via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Matthew Semelsberger def. Martin Sano via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:15
- Jonathan Pearce def. Omar Morales via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:31
