Junior dos Santos vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik Preview and Odds, UFC 252

The second heavyweight rumble at UFC 252 pits former champion Junior dos Santos against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. While each man is ranked among the promotion’s top-six 265-pound contenders, each lost their last fight by TKO.

Junior dos Santos(21-7, +130)

Riding the proverbial wall, ex-heavyweight ruler Junior dos Santos looks to end a two-fight slide this weekend. Once feared for his knockout power, ‘Cigano’ marched through the company’s leviathans nine-plus years ago and made his stardom in classic title wars with Cain Velasquez. After starting 9-0 in the Octagon, including a championship win and defense, it seemed the dos Santos era was upon the MMA world. However, two final losses in his trilogy with Velasquez signified an end to Junior’s top-shelf run. Since, the Brazilian has stood 6-6 against Octagon fare with consecutive knockout defeats vs. Francis N’Gannou and Curtis Blaydes. With time ticking at 36, a Saturday win is vital for the no.5 ranked heavyweight. Overall, dos Santos adds 4.66 significant strikes per minute and 0.33 takedowns per 15 minutes. The question remains if Cigano’s chin can hold against favored Rozenstruik.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik(10-1, -150)

Following a cardiac 4-0 UFC start, highlighted by last-second comeback TKO of Alistair Overeem, Jairzinho Rozenstruik was recently starched in near-record time by N’Gannou. With his chin now in question, the power which led ‘Bigi Boy’ to destructive wins vs. Overeem and Andrei Arlovski is needed Saturday against plausibly faded dos Santos. At 32, Rozenstruik is also at a crossroads moment to decide if his no. 6 UFC ranking is earned. Overall, the Suriname native averages 3.84 significant strikes landed per minute and boasts nine TKO’s in 10 paid victories.

The Prediction: As stated, both fighters showed weak chins in their most recent performances. However, many quality fighters have fallen victim to wrecking machine Francis N'Gannou. It's a bit more troubling dos Santos was stopped by noted wrestler, and decent puncher, Blaydes. ObservingRozenstruik's power, dos Santos will absorb a third TKO setback in as many fights this Saturday to officially fall from the cramped list of heavyweight contenders.

On a night of champions, it's fitting to remember what prime Junior dos Santos gave the sport and heavyweight division. At one time, dos Santos claimed elite pound-for-pound entrant status. After Brock Lesnar fizzled and just when Jon Jones exploded, JDS towered among the sport's pinnacle fray. Fast forward to August 2020 and dos Santos is a sure-fire UFC legend. Much like fellow great Cormier in the main event, one punch could place dos Santos where he'd like to be. Though, evolution states the younger, more durable Jairzinho Rozenstruik is more apt to land night-enders at UFC 252.

The Pick: Jairzinho Rozenstruik by TKO.