Ciryl Gane and Jairzinho Rozenstruik face off today (Sat., Feb. 27, 2021) in a main event Heavyweight clash from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC Vegas 20. There was a lot on the line in this main event match up, and different circumstances than the usual showdown of big punchers. Notably, both men are young at 30 and 32 years of age respectively, and each fighter has quickly ascended the Heavyweight ranks to become a contender. Likely, they both have a lot of time left among the top of the division, so whichever man scored victory in their first meeting likely primed himself for future success as well.
Oh, and the winner just might earn a title shot! Strap in for tonight’s main event and follow along below for live updates and highlight clips:
Round One
Stiff jab from Gane opens the fight after some feints. Patient start from both men, but Gane flicks out more feelers. Gane sticks a body jab. Big pair of counter punches score for “Bigi Boy.” Gane scores a body kick and clean straight punch. The French athlete then moves into the clinch. Rozenstruik lands a few good counter elbows, but Gane completes the takedown. The clock runs out before he can do much with it.
THE NERVES
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— UFC (@ufc) February 28, 2021
Round Two
Neither man was particularly active, but Gane controls the opening minute with quick jabs and kicks. Heavy low kick from Gane. Rozenstruik digs a counter low kick of his own, but he simply isn’t throwing enough. Gane’s jab is simply so quick! The French fighter dropped into another takedown attempt, but Rozenstruik defended. Gane nearly secures a rear naked choke attempt off a trip, but Rozenstruik fires on the break. Glancing right off the caught kick for Rozenstruik. More quick jabs from Gane before the end of the round.
Round Three
Gane lands a good straight, takes a check hook. Glancing head kick from the French striker. Gane’s jab lands with good consistency as Rozenstruik cannot help but stare at him. More low kicks too. Rozenstruik lands a good left hook to counter a takedown attempt. Both men land clean. The pace slows afterward. Gane continues to poke at his opponent, but both men are hesitant to really commit. Rozenstruik lands a good switch hook near the bell — too little, too late.
Round Four
The two trade little low kicks. Rozenstruik stuffs a takedown, but he still isn’t throwing. Big jump knee scores to the body for Gane. Gane continues to do largely the bare minimum, scoring with quick shots but not committing his weight too much. Rozenstruik just could not pull the trigger for huge portions of the round. Gane did rip a nice left hand in the final 30 seconds.
Round Five
Clean jabs and kicks from Gane, who is controlling range perfectly. It’s not particularly entertaining work, but he’s clearly winning. Rozenstruik stuffs a takedown along the fence. Rozenstruik landed a good left hook counter, and Gane drove him right back into the fence. Gane breaks the clinch with an elbow. Gane lands a slick foot sweep to top position, but Rozenstruik is right back up. The bout ends in the clinch … finally.
Result: Ciryl Gane defeats Jairzinho Rozenstruik via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
For complete UFC Vegas 20: “Gane vs. Rozenstruik” results and play-by-play, click HERE!