UFC 305: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik: Live round-by-round updates
Hometown favorite Tai Tuivasa will be keen on reversing his streak of bad form when he takes on Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view showcase. The event will go down on Aug. 18, 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Tuivasa enters the fight on a four-fight losing streak, seemingly suggesting a diminished stature from his former peak. Before that, 'Bam Bam' went on a five-fight win streak with notable wins over perennial contenders like Augusto Sakai and Derrick Lewis. With four Performance of the Night honors under his belt and a penchant for quick finishes, Tuivasa will be keen on recovering lost ground and putting on an entertaining display for the home crowd.
On the other hand, Rozenstruik holds a 2-3 record in his last five octagon assignments. He got back to winning ways at UFC Vegas 87 with a TKO (retirement) victory over Shamil Gaziev. Similar to Tuivasa, 'Bigi Boy' is recognized for packing serious power in his punches, and has won all fights in the UFC via KO/ TKO (8).
The UFC 305 main card is set to go down on 10 p.m. ET 7 p.m. PT, while the preliminary card is expected to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. PT. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the Tuivasa vs. Rozenstruik clash:
Round 1:
The heavyweight hard hitters meet in the center of the octagon. Tuivasa opens up with leg kicks as Rozenstruik tries to counter with a right hand. Tuivasa demonstrates a measured approach as he continues to attack his opponent's legs. Rozenstruik attacks the body of Tuivasa with a solid jab. Rozenstruik is doing an excellent job of moving his feet just out of range to evade Tuivasa's leg kick attempts.
Our Score: 10-9 Rozenstruik
Round 2:
Rozenstruik opens up with leg kicks now and steps in with an overhand right. Tuivasa counters with a left hook that almost lands. Tuivasa starts to find the range and traps Rozenstruik against the cage. A wild exchange by the heavy hitters but Rozenstruik proves to be the sharper fighter in the exchanges. Tuivasa's leg kick lands awkwardly on Rozenstruik which forces the hometown fighter to limp. Rozenstruik swarms in to finish the fight but Tuivasa won't go down without a fight. He invites a wild exchange but Rozenstruik gets back in range to regroup.
Our Score: 10-9 Rozenstruik
Round 3:
Tuivasa loading up the right hand but Rozenstruik is wise to his opponent's advances. Rozenstruik's jab has been his best weapon in this fight. Tuivasa finds the mark with the left hand and closes with a strong inside leg kick. A short left hook from Rozenstruik catches Tuivasa's attention. Tuivasa opens up with the left hook but Rozenstruik is doing a good job moving out of range. Both fighters point to the center of the octagon to invite a wild exchange.
Our Score: 10-9 Rozenstruik
Official Score: Rozenstruik defeats Tuivasa via split decision (29–28, 27–30, 30–27).