UFC DC headliner Jairzinho Rozenstruik isn’t intimidated by Francis Ngannou

UFC DC headliner Jairzinho Rozenstruik wants a piece of former UFC heavyweight title contender Francis Ngannou.

WASHINGTON – [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] is making it clear – he wants a piece of former UFC heavyweight title contender [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag].

Ahead of his UFC on ESPN 7 headliner against Alistair Overeem on Saturday night, Rozenstruik (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has already mapped out his path towards UFC title gold.

A victory against Ngannou will get him one step closer to that goal, Rozenstruik said. Additionally, Rozenstruik indicated the matchup is appealing because it allows him the opportunity to finally prove who the most intimidating fighter in the UFC is.

“It would be a nice fight,” Rozenstruik told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s open workouts. “He’s the scary guy of the division – the boogeyman… (I’m) the other boogeyman of the division. You want to create a bomb in the Octagon? Put me in against him and lock the doors. The UFC fans will enjoy it.”

Presumably, most human beings on earth would file Ngannou under “intimidating” and “scary.” Rozenstruik is not one of them. The Surinamese fighter said he looks at Ngannou through the same lens as he would any other opponent.

“Nah, I don’t, because it’s a fight,” Rozenstruik said. “We’re going to go back-and-forth. It’s going to take five rounds of five minutes or three rounds of five minutes. I cannot be any wrong.”

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Does Rozenstruik think Ngannou will take the fight? Rozenstruik indicated Ngannou should stop asking for Alexander Volkov and fight him instead – “if he’s smart,” that is.

“If he’s smart he’ll take the fight,” Rozenstruik said. “If not, it’s his fault. I think I can make him better because I’m a better fighter in the end. So if it was me, I’d take the fight.

Before that matchup occurs, however, Rozenstruik will have to face a stiff test in Overeem (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC). While he credits Overeem’s abilities and legacy in the cage, “Bigi Boy” believes he has the tools to put “The Reem” down.

“Everybody can say you hit hard,” Rozenstruik said. “I hit hard. But if you can’t hit accurate, you’re going to miss. So the thing is to find the chin and put him down. As soon as that happens, you’re going to see the result.”

UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

Check out Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s full UFC on ESPN 7 open workout scrum in the video above.

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UFC on ESPN 7: Jairzinho Rozenstruik open workout scrum

Jairzinho Rozenstruik talks to media after his open workout ahead of UFC on ESPN 7 (UFC Fight Night Washington)

UFC on ESPN 7 pre-event facts: Alistair Overeem is the most accurate striker in UFC history

The best facts and figures about UFC on ESPN 7, which features a Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik heavyweight main event.

The UFC returns to Washington D.C. for the first time in more than eight years on Saturday with UFC on ESPN 7. The card is set to air on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

In the headliner, two heavyweights on winning streaks will attempt to take another step up the divisional pecking order when perennial contender [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) takes on [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who stepped in on short notice as a replacement for Walt Harris.

For more on the numbers behind the main event, as well as the rest of the 12-fight card, check below for 50 pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN 7.

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Main event

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Overeem, 39, is the oldest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

Overeem’s two-fight UFC winning streak at heavyweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Rozenstruik (three), Francis Ngannou (three) and Augusto Sakai (three).

Overeem is one of 11 fighters in UFC history to earn 10 or more heavyweight wins.

Overeem has earned 40 of his 45 career victories by stoppage. That includes seven of his 10 UFC wins.

Overeem lands 73.8 percent of his significant strike attempts in UFC competition, the highest rate in company history.

Overeem has been on the losing end of the fifth and sixth largest statistical comeback finishes in UFC heavyweight history. He out-landed Antonio Silva by 30 significant strikes before being knocked out at UFC 156, and he out-landed Travis Browne by 27 significant strikes before his demise at UFC Fight Night 26

Overeem’s 13 knockout losses in MMA competition are the most of any active member on the UFC roster.

Overeem’s 11 knockout losses in UFC/WEC/PRIDE/Strikeforce competition are the most in combined organizational history.

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Rozenstruik makes his second UFC appearance in a 35-day stretch. He defeated Andrei Arlovski at UFC 244 on Nov. 2.

Rozenstruik’s three-fight UFC winning streak at heavyweight is tied with Ngannou and Sakai for the longest active streak in the division.

Rozenstruik has earned eight of his nine career victories by stoppage. That includes all three of his UFC wins.

Rozenstruik’s three-fight knockout streak in UFC competition is tied with Ngannou, Amanda Nunes, Maycee Barber, Jared Cannonier and Justin Gaethje for the longest active streak in the company.

Rozenstruik’s nine-second knockout at UFC on ESPN+ 12 is the second fastest in UFC heavyweight history behind Todd Duffee’s seven-second finish at UFC 102.

Co-main event

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[autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag]’s (13-0-1 MMA, 2-0-1 UFC) three-fight UFC unbeaten streak at strawweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Tatiana Suarez (five), Yan Xiaonan (four) and Zhang Weili (four).

Rodriguez fought to the first draw in UFC strawweight history against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night 137 in September 2018.

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[autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag]’s (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) five wins since 2017 in strawweight competition are tied for most in the division.

Calvillo’s three submission victories in UFC strawweight competition are tied with Rose Namajunas for most in divisional history.

Calvillo has completed at least one takedown in five of her six UFC appearances.

Calvillo’s nine submission attempts in UFC strawweight competition are most in divisional history.

Calvillo attempts 2.02 submission attempts per 15 minutes in UFC strawweight competition, the most in divisional history.

Remaining main card

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[autotag]Stefan Struve[/autotag] (29-11 MMA, 13-9 UFC) returns to competition after announcing his retirement from MMA following a victory at UFC on ESPN+ 3 in February.

Struve competes in his 23rd UFC heavyweight bout, the third most appearances in divisional history behind Andrei Arlovski (31) and Frank Mir (27).

Struve’s 13 victories in UFC heavyweight competition are tied for fourth most in divisional history behind Arlovski (17), Mir (16) and Junior Dos Santos (15).

Struve’s 11 stoppage victories in UFC heavyweight competition are tied with Arlovski and Gabriel Gonzaga for second most in divisional history behind Mir (13).

Struve’s six submission victories in UFC heavyweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Mir (eight).

Struve’s 21 submission attempts in UFC heavyweight competition are tied with Mir for most in divisional history.

Struve’s eight fight-night bonuses for UFC heavyweight fights are second most in divisional history behind Stipe Miocic (nine).

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[autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag]’s (36-12 MMA, 6-6 UFC) three-fight losing skid is the longest of his career. He hasn’t earned a victory since January 2016.

Rothwell is 0-2 since he returned from a nearly three-year layoff in March.

[autotag]Aspen Ladd[/autotag]’s (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) two knockout victories in UFC women’s bantamweight competition are tied for fourth most in divisional history behind Nunes (six), Ronda Rousey (three) and Germaine de Randamie (three).

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[autotag]Yana Kunitskaya[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is 2-0 since she returned to the UFC women’s bantamweight division in October 2018.

Kunitskaya’s two-fight UFC winning streak at women’s bantamweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Nunes (eight), de Randamie (four) and Ketlen Vieira (four).

[autotag]Cody Stamann[/autotag] (18-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has earned all four of his UFC victories by decision.

[autotag]Song Yadong[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC), 22, is the youngest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

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[autotag]Rob Font[/autotag] (16-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) returns to competition for the first time since Dec. 15, 2018. The 357-day layoff is the longest of his more than eight-year career.

Font has alternated wins and losses in his past five fights. He won his most recent bout at UFC on FOX 31 in December 2018.

Font’s five stoppages victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for fifth most in divisional history behind T.J. Dillashaw (eight), Urijah Faber (seven), Marlon Vera (seven) and Pedro Munhoz (six).

Font’s four knockout victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Dillashaw (seven) and Eddie Wineland (five).

[autotag]Ricky Simon[/autotag]’s (15-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) victory at the 5:00 mark of Round 3 at UFC Fight Night 128 is the latest stoppage in a three-round UFC fight.

Preliminary card

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[autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] (23-14 MMA, 15-11 UFC) competes in his 26th UFC welterweight bout, the most appearances in divisional history.

Alves’ 15 victories in UFC welterweight competition are the third most in divisional history behind Georges St-Pierre (19) and Matt Hughes (16).

Alves’ nine stoppage victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Hughes (12) and Matt Brown (12).

Alves’ eight knockout victories in UFC welterweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Brown (10).

Alves’ 13 knockdowns landed in UFC welterweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Alves’ four knockout victories stemming from knee strikes in UFC competition are most in company history.

Alves has landed 380 leg kicks in UFC competition, the second most in company history behind Joanna Jedrzejczyk (430).

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[autotag]Tim Means[/autotag] (28-11-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC) is 8-6 (with one no contest) since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in May 2014.

[autotag]Makhmud Muradov[/autotag] (23-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is 17-1 in his past 18 fights dating back to March 2015.

Muradov enters the event on a 12-fight winning streak. He hasn’t suffered a defeat since December 2016.

[autotag]Trevor Smith[/autotag] (15-9 MMA, 5-6 UFC) has earned all five of his UFC victories by decision. He hasn’t earned a stoppage victory since June 2012.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.

UFC on ESPN 7 fight breakdown: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik

Check out the MMA junkie’s John Morgan and Dan Tom’s analysis and predictions for the UFC on ESPN 7 main event between Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

UFC on ESPN 7 pre-fight facts: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik

Check out the key facts, figures and footnotes for UFC on ESPN 7, which is headlined by Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Spinning Back Clique: Is McGregor-Cerrone or Khabib-Ferguson more compelling?

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack the latest MMA news and notes in Episode 5 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to the latest news, notes and fight bookings, as well as look ahead to UFC on ESPN 7 this weekend.

Show rundown:

Finally, we can discuss [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] news that has to do with cagefighting, as the former two-division UFC champion was booked to headline UFC 246 against [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag]. But the Jan. 18 fight isn’t taking place at lightweight; it’s taking place at welterweight. So, what exactly is at stake here?
It’s happening. … We think. … We hope. For the fifth time, [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] has been booked. The 155-pound title fight is set for what should be UFC 249 on April 18 in New York. Will the fifth time be the charm in us finally seeing this fight, and what can we expect from this point on?
Whether it’s MMA or grappling, former UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Luke Rockhold[/autotag] just seems off. He was cut early before losing a decision to Nick Rodriguez last week at Polaris 12. Combine that with two devastating knockout losses in his last two MMA fights, as well recent comments that his heart isn’t into fighting anymore, and you’ve got to wonder: Where does he go from here with his combat sports career?
UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Tito Ortiz[/autotag], who meets ex-WWE superstar Alberto El Patron this weekend in Combate Americas, got mad at MMA Junkie last week, calling us “click bait” for writing a story highlighting his comments about current UFC light heavyweight champ [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]. “I think I can beat Jon Jones,” Ortiz said. “I think I have a good chance – I really do think I’ve got a good chance.” His words, not ours. So when you hear that, what’s your take on it?
UFC on ESPN 7 this Saturday features [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] in a heavyweight main event. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] fights [autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] at strawweight. Of those four fighters, who has the most to gain with an impressive victory?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 5 of “Spinning Back Clique” in the video above. And make sure to weigh in on McGregor vs. Cerrone in our poll below.

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UFC on ESPN 7: Make your predictions for Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7 event in Washington, D.C.

Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Thursday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the UFC on ESPN 7 event staff predictions we release Friday ahead of the event. UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

Make your picks for all six main card fights inside:

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UFC on ESPN 7: Fans invited to open workouts in Washington, D.C.

If you’re in the nation’s capital for this week’s UFC on ESPN 7 card, you can get up close and personal with some of the event’s standouts.

UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) takes on the undefeated [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in a heavyweight clash. In the co-feature, [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) meets [autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] (12-0-1 MMA, 2-0-1 UFC) in a women’s strawweight bout.

Prior to the event, fans can attend open workouts with the fighters Wednesday night. Doors open for the public at 5 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. The main and co-main event fighters then will workout for fans and the media in 20-minute increments starting at 5:30.

Calvillo will go through her workout first, followed by Rozenstruik, Rodriguez and Overeem.

Unlike many UFC shows, there are no ceremonial weigh-ins for the fans Friday ahead of the event. So Wednesday’s open workout sessions are the only official opportunity for fans to see the event’s headliners before Saturday’s card.

The UFC on ESPN 7 lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Marina Rodriguez
Ben Rothwell vs. Stefan Struve
Yana Kunitskaya vs. Aspen Ladd
Cody Stamann vs. Song Yadong
Rob Font vs. Ricky Simon

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)

Thiago Alves vs. Tim Means
Jacob Kilburn vs. Billy Quarantillo
Bryce Mitchell vs. Matt Sayles
Joe Solecki vs. Matt Wiman

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

Virna Jandiroba vs. Mallory Martin
Makhmud Muradov vs. Trevor Smith

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Jairzinho Rozenstruik in awe of quick UFC rise: ‘Damn, I know those guys from my PlayStation’

Jairzinho Rozenstruik is enjoying the ride ahead of the biggest – and unexpected – opportunity of his career.

[autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag]’s rise through the UFC heavyweight division has been a quick one, and things might just get even faster next month.

The Surinamese fighter began his career in the UFC back in February, scoring a second-round TKO victory over Junior Albini at UFC on ESPN+ 2 in Brazil. Since his debut, Rozenstruik (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has picked up first-round knockouts over Allen Crowder and most recently former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.

And just a couple of days after the biggest win of his career at UFC 244, Rozenstruik was slotted to face another legendary name in the game. The unbeaten heavyweight replaced Walt Harris, who’s in search of his missing step-daughter, to take on [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) in the main event of UFC on ESPN 7 on Dec. 7.

“I just fought, and I didn’t fight that long, and there was an opportunity that came up with the Walt Harris situation with his stepdaughter missing. I hope they find her as soon as possible in this heart-breaking situation, and there was a chance where I could’ve got the fight or Derick Lewis could’ve got that fight,” Rozenstruik told MMA Junkie. “But Derrick Lewis fought, and I think he’s a little bit injured. I think I was the only one that wasn’t injured, so I got the opportunity to get the fight. As soon as the question came up I accepted.

“A win over Alistair Overeem would mean a lot for my career, and for sure I’m happy. I get the chance at this high level in the rankings to prove my skills. I see it as a test and on December 7, I’ll be ready to show my skills.”

Overeem is No. 8 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie heavyweight rankings and holds one of the bigger names in the weight class, having fought for the UFC title and being a former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion.

Rozenstruik, who trains out of Hardknocks 365 in South Florida, is well aware of what a win over “The Reem” could do to his career.

“I hope a win over Alistair Overeem will bring me to the top 10, maybe top five,” Rozenstruik said. “With this fight, I’m already happy, so where I land on the rankings with this fight is just going to be a surprise. I’m already happy with this matchup, so that’s a surprise for me. I come from all the way down, and I got myself up this fast, so whatever comes next will be just extra for me.

“Overeem got my respect for sure. He’s done a lot; he’s a legendary name. He has a good style, and I’ll be prepared for everything. I’ll make sure to get my hand raised at the end of the fight whether it goes five rounds or one. I think a win over him would be very good for my career.”

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The idea of possibly going from a UFC debutant to a top title contender in less than a year is one that still sounds a little crazy to Rozenstruik.

“I have to be honest: No, I never saw it coming so fast,” Rozenstruik explained. “I really wanted it. Me and my coach Michael Babb, we didn’t expect it be so fast. We train hard all the time, so we expect everything, but that we were going to rise so fast in 2019, no, we didn’t see it, but we’re happy with it.”

Rozenstruik is happy and feels lucky to have been able to get four fights in his first year with the UFC. He’s also grateful of the household names he’s been able to get matched up.

“Yeah, he’s (Alistair Overeem) a big name, and it’s good to have a win over such a big name on your record, and you’ll always remember those special moments for sure,” Rozenstruik said.

“As soon as I got that fight, I was like, ‘Oh damn, I know those guys from my PlayStation.’ I’ve been working for this, and this is awesome. I’m living my dream, and I give it my all. I’ve been playing them (UFC games) since PlayStation 2, and now I play it on my PlayStation 4.”

It’s unsure where a win on Dec. 7 could put “Bigi Boy” in the UFC heavyweight sphere, but it will sure get him a lot closer to championship gold. And Rozenstruik is not afraid of being catapulted to the very top.

“I was born ready for this. Life prepared me for this, and I can’t wait to get to the top after this,” Rozenstruik said. “I’m going to get to there one way or another. I will win this fight. I really want to make it happen.”

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