UFC 249 Results: Stats And Video Highlights For Francis Ngannou Vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Jairzinho Rozenstruik had an excellent 2019. He joined the UFC as a 6-0 heavyweight in February of that year. He wrapped up 2019 with a record of 10-0. All four of his UFC victories came via knockout. His final stoppage came with two seconds left in a five-round scrap against Alistair Overeem. 

In early 2020, Rozenstruik said he wanted to earn a UFC title shot.

“Basically, what I’ve heard people say is that I’m supposed to get the title shot, and I think (Francis Ngannou is) also risking his spot for that,” Rozenstruik told MMA Junkie. “So I’m going to beat him, take his spot, and I’m going to go for the title.”

“I don’t think he’s the best striker I’m going to face, but he is the biggest challenge. We believe we’re going to put him away. It’s a fight. It’s going to go back and forth – who lands first, who can take a shot, who cannot,” Rozenstruik added.

Fast forward to May 9 and Rozenstruik might regret those words.

Ngannou blasted Rozenstruik into unconsciousness twenty seconds into their matchup on last night’s UFC 249 pay-per-view card. The knockout wasn’t as horrifying as Ngannou’s 2017 stoppage of Alistair Overeem, but it was still a very scary KO. Rozenstruik spent a long time seated against the cage trying to get his wits about him as Ngannou stood to the side with a concerned look on his face. 

Ngannou entered the fight as the No. 2 ranked heavyweight in the official UFC rankings. The only fighter ranked above him is former champion Daniel Cormier.