Rozenstruik v Gaziev UFC fight preview, betting picks & odds

A pair of hard-punching heavyweights headline UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs Gaziev at the Apex in Las Vegas this weekend. Jairzinho Rozenstruik is the higher-ranked fighter but has struggled in recent times and needs to lift against a rampant newcomer in Shamil Gaziev. This may be a brief affair, given the power both men possess, and fans are advised not to look away. Read on for our free UFC betting picks and main event analysis.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik v Shamil Gaziev fight analysis

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Shamil Gaziev

Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-5-0) has a patchy record since February 2021 with four losses and two wins inside the octagon. Both wins came via first-round knockout, reflecting a one-dimensional approach. The 35-year-old was most recently choked out by Jailton Almeida following a quick trip to the canvas.

At his best, the Suriname-born Rozenstruik moves quickly for a heavyweight and throws a heavy straight punch that can drop almost any man alive. He has a strong kickboxing background with 85 pro fights under that discipline. He lacks wrestling experience, and if he overcommits to his strikes, that might prove an Achilles heel against a more rounded opponent.

Shamil Gaziev (12-0-0) has only appeared once at UFC level, recording a second-round TKO win over Martin Buday. The hard-hitting Russian previously impressed the UFC boss with a first-round submission win on Dana White’s Contender Series and looks a welcome addition to the 265-pound division. The 34-year-old is not merely blessed with knockout punching power, but also boasts a solid ground game and has three professional submission wins on his CV.

Gaziev has been presented with a golden opportunity to leap into the heavyweight contender ranks given the current dearth of emerging big men. With an impressive performance this weekend, he might only be another fight or two away from a top-five ranking. He has not faced an opponent of Rozenstruik’s experience, but as the younger, fresher and more confident athlete, Gaziev has been installed as a warm favourite with UFC betting sites.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik v Shamil Gaziev betting strategy

It is hard to get enthused about Rozenstruik’s recent form, and he needs to produce a major reversal to be competitive against a dangerous opponent. Heavyweights tend to flame out more quickly than lighter athletes due to the wear and tear of transporting that extra bulk around the gym and inside the ring.

Unless he can find another quick knockout finish, Rozenstruik might be in for a rough night against a newcomer with a solid skillset and winning record. Given Rozenstruik’s lack of grappling ability, we are leaning towards a submission victory after a wild opening exchange.

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