MMA Preview – Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Shamil Gaziev at UFC Fight Night 238
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JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK VS SHAMIL GAZIEV FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 238? Saturday 2nd March, 2024 - 19:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 238? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 238? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 238 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 238? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK VS SHAMIL GAZIEV LOWDOWN
After storming to 10-0 where he sparked out his first four UFC opponents, Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-5) has hit his ceiling going 3-5 in his next eight. He was inevitably out wrestled by Curtis Blaydes (2021) at UFC 266 and then got TKO’d by fellow striker Alexander Volkov (2022). However, he replied with a vintage knockout over Chris Daukaus (2022) but got completely out grappled again. This time by Jailton Almeida (2023) who cinched up a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Shamil Gaziev (12-0) heads to the APEX for the biggest fight of his career so far. He made light work of Greg Velasco (2023) on the Contender Series submitting him in the first round. He then made his debut at UFC 296 against Martin Buday (2023) and snapped his 12-fight win streak by knocking him out in the second round extending his unblemished record.
JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK VS SHAMIL GAZIEV PREDICTION
Rozenstruik’s game plan will be as clear as ever and that will be to keep the fight on the feet, be patient and counter with his unholy power. He is an exceptional kickboxer and will have all the confidence of breaking the unbeaten record and putting Gaziev to sleep.
The Bahrain native has not fought anywhere near the same level of competition, but he is unbeaten for a reason. He is also a striker by trade but can also grapple which will be his key to victory.
He will eventually try and close the distance and clinch up where he is very dangerous. He will fire elbows and knees at close range and leverage his strength to drag the fight to the canvas.
However, if he does not respect the power and carelessly walks into range, Rozenstruik will clean his clock. The Suriname native will be patient and wait for his opening. This will make him dangerous for five rounds if it goes that far.
If Gaziev puts his energy into throwing wild shots and takedown attempts, he will gas quickly. If Rozenstruik can survive the first three rounds, he will be more threatening as Gaziev fatigues. On the flip side, if Gaziev is successful with his takedowns and can pin Rozenstruik down, he will drain the gas tank.
We can see a quick finish falling either way or a slow five rounds. Gaziev should be able to land the takedown where he can inflict the fight-winning damage or set up a submission. However, considering the odds, a Rozenstruik knockout is the value bet.
Prediction: Gaziev via Submission
Value Bet: Rozenstruik via KO/TKO
