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Former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos is eager to meet Jairzinho Rozenstruik in August.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos is ready to put on a show against fellow heavy-hitter Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Paired up against ‘Bigi Boy’ for UFC 252, ‘Cigano’ believes the match-up has fireworks written all over it.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Cigano says he does believe Rozenstruik matches up well with his own style. However, the Brazilian also points out how Jairzinho is not one to be taken lightly. Especially given Junior’s own situation at the moment, where he is in need of a win to get back into title contention.
“I think so (that Jairzinho’s style matches up well with his). I’m sure it’s going to be a very interesting fight, especially because we both look for the knockout. The fans will enjoy two heavyweights trading shots. That’s always pretty interesting. I see him as a tough opponent, sure. Given my situation in the division at the moment, he’s a necessary challenge. What I can tell from his last fight is that he never backs down. That’s the behavior of a fighter who knows what he wants. The fans will enjoy this fight. I think this fight will end by the second round, tops.”
Currently on a two-fight losing streak, with knockout losses to both Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes, Dos Santos (21-7) needs a win in order to avoided the dreaded three-fight skid. Before this recent rough patch, the 36-year-old was on a three-fight winning streak, with victories over Blagoy Ivanov, Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis.
Now, Dos Santos is scheduled to take on Rozenstruit at UFC 252, on August 15, in a location yet to be determined. The card is expected to be headlined by a heavyweight trilogy title fight between the current champion, Stipe Miocic, and former title-holder Daniel Cormier.