UFC: Rozenstruik Wants Ngannou Fight To Be For Interim Title
Even before the coronavirus pandemic brought the sporting world to a screeching halt, the top of the UFC heavyweight division was already somewhat on hold, with fans waiting for news on the Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier trilogy. Jairzinho Rozenstruik has offered a potential solution, however.
After Miocic regained the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 241 against Cormier, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the two would face off in a trilogy fight, once the champion had recovered from eye surgery.
But now with global pandemic, it appears that Miocic won’t be putting his title on the line for a while.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, the undefeated Rozenstruik suggested that the UFC should make an interim title in the heavyweight division, to help get the division going again.
“I think the heavyweight division needs that,” Rozenstruik said. “It’s kind of slowed down with the Stipe and Cormier fight, and we don’t know when the champ is going to return. So for now, put in an interim belt. I think the heavyweight [division] needs it to move forward.”
Rozenstruik is expected to face Francis Ngannou on May 9th, should the card go ahead. They were originally scheduled to meet at UFC Columbus on March 18th, and then at UFC 249, before both were postponed because of the coronavirus.
Should Rozenstruik vs Ngannou go down on May 9th, ‘Bigi Boy’ wants it to be for the UFC interim heavyweight title.
“What’s better than to fight for a title in a big match?” Rozenstruik asked. “It’s already a big match, and if you put in the [interim] title, it’s going to be more interesting for both of us. But for now, it’s still the same: It’s a fight. I want it really bad, and when it happens, I’ll be in the best shape ever.”
Rozenstruik fights out of Suriname, but trains at American Top Team in Florida. He plans to stay there in hope of his fight with Ngannou going ahead on May 9th.
“For now, we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Rozenstruik said. “They’re going to come back, I think, in ten days, so we have to give them (the UFC) some time to see what they can do. So I’m waiting; I have no problem. We’re all in this situation, and I know everyone is having a rough time, so it’s understandable.
“I’m going to stay in Florida see what’s going to happen – wait till I get an update, and then I’ll make the decision whether I’m going to go home or I’m going to stay and wait.”
Do you think Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Francis Ngannou should be for the UFC interim heavyweight title?
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