UFC Saudi Arabia: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik: Full video highlights
Sergei Pavlovich faced Jairzinho Rozenstruik on the main card of UFC Saudi Arabia at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Feb. 1.
In this fight, Pavlovich, the No.4-ranked heavyweight contender, attempted to get back in the win column after consecutive defeats against Tom Aspinall and former teammate Alexander Volkov. Before that, Pavlovich was on a six-fight win streak, with all his wins coming by T/KO.
Suriname's Rozenstruik, noted for his kickboxing skills, attempted to score his third straight win as he stepped inside the octagon on Saturday. He was the No.9-ranked heavyweight contender heading into the fight. The contest was intriguing as it pitted Pavlovich's devastating knockout power and reach advantage against Rozenstruik's kickboxing prowess.
Both fighters began the match cautiously, with Rozenstruik attempting to keep Pavlovich at bay using leg kicks. Pavlovich, the larger fighter, remained patient and focused on landing powerful strikes to the head.
While Rozenstruik moved his head off the centerline, Pavlovich was able to land some grazing punches. An accidental trip sent both men to the ground, and Pavlovich took advantage by delivering ground-and-pound strikes until the end of the first round. However, Rozenstruik managed to minimize the damage he sustained.
The relatively inactive contest began to draw negative reactions from the fans in attendance by Round 2. However, a right hook from Pavlovich elicited a visible response from Rozenstruik, and the two ended up on the ground. Pavlovich remained active until the end of the round, landing short strikes from the top position while Rozenstruik struggled to survive in half-guard.
In Round 3, a left hand from Pavlovich stunned Rozenstruik, allowing the Russian fighter to complete a takedown and regain the top position. Unlike in the previous rounds, Pavlovich focused on landing powerful strikes from this position. Rozenstruik managed to get back to his feet, and both fighters exchanged a few strikes in the closing moments, though these blows did not appear to have a significant impact.
The judges scored the bout in Pavlovich's favor, declaring him the winner by unanimous decision (30-27 X 3).
Check out the Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik full video highlights below:
Both men connect:
Pavlovich takes the lead:
Pavlovich gets close to getting a finish:
Pavlovich is declared the winner: