Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Jairzinho Rozenstruik pulled off a great comeback win over Alistair Overeem in the main event of last Saturday night’s (Dec. 7, 2019) UFC on ESPN 7 fight card in Washington, D.C., knocking out “The Reem” with just four seconds remaining in the fight.
While the stoppage was highly-controversial, the win gave “Bigi Boy” his fourth straight knockout win inside the Octagon in 2019. Afterward, Jarizinho called out top Heavyweight contender, Francis Ngannou, which prompted a brief response from “The Predator” on Twitter.
During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show, Francis spoke a bit more on “Bigi Boy’s” win and run thus far, saying that while he was impressed by his luck and his comeback against Overeem, he needs to see more out of his fellow big man.
“Yes, I was impressed basically by his comeback. He was literally losing the fight. I was impressed with how lucky the guy is,” said Ngannou.
“Yes, four seconds, but he was losing the fight. Before that I hadn’t seen no fight that I get impressed of. I think, to be honest and no disrespect, but I think I need to see more. But, whatever if they say so, it’s going to be what it be.”
Indeed, Ngannou has been trying to lock down another fight since starching Junior dos Santos this past June in just 71 seconds. But for whatever reason, UFC matchmakers have kept him on ice, and a title shot isn’t in his near future since a Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier trilogy is planned.
That’s why a highly-frustrated Ngannou just wants to fight anyone, and will fight Rozenstruik if it means locking down a bout as soon as possible.
“I’m not going to get stuck on a title short or whatever, just give me a fight. I am willing to fight anybody. Like, let’s give Shamil, give me whoever you want me to fight and I will fight. But it’s been over five months.”
While Jairzinho is targeting a return in March 2020, Ngannou doesn’t want to wait that long, but says it seems like really doesn’t have a say in the matter.
“Do I have a choice? I feel like that’s how they want me to feel, to feel low. I don’t have nothing else. They just put me here in a blind spot. Whatever. Maybe it would be good to fight all my three fights to fight out my contract because I might have options because I can’t stay like this.”
For now, Francis continues to play the waiting game, sitting anxiously for the call to get back into the Octagon.