Jairzinho Rozenstruik Would be “Happy to Dance” With Francis Ngannou at UFC 249

Jairzinho Rozenstruik won’t fight Francis Ngannou this Saturday as was originally planned, so the rising heavyweight would love to throw hands with the feared slugger at UFC 249. If, of course, that event still happens, like Dana White says it will.

Rozenstruik would be “happy to dance” with “The Predator” on April 18th

The heavyweight contenders were supposed to battle in the headliner of UFC Columbus on March 28th. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the card was postponed. 

Since then, White has said that all the bouts that were postponed will be rebooked for future events. The UFC President has also, repeatedly said that the promotion will find a way to hold the April 18th, UFC 249 card.

So, would Rozenstruik be down to face Ngannou at UFC 249? While talking to The Schmo recently, the dangerous kickboxer said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“We’re doing what we have to do, keeping training, waiting for an update,” Rozenstruik said. “Now we’ve slowed the pace a little bit down and as soon as we have an update, we’ll squeeze it back up and we’re on. So we’re ready for whatever.”

“I’d be happy to dance 18th of April,” Rozenstruik said. “I can’t wait for this [fight] to happen because we’ve been working hard for it and the fun has to come out right now. It’s about time.”

Now, could this fight be added to UFC 249? If the card does take place? It’s possible. But, you would think the UFC will save this fight for a headlining spot. Or, for an event that needs a boost. UFC 249 is set to feature one of the most highly, anticipated lightweight fights in Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Tony Ferguson. 

Rozenstruik reports UFC is looking at month down the line

And to the point above, Rozenstruik also reported this.

“A couple days ago [the UFC] called and they said the situation – maybe a month or later [is when we will fight],” Rozenstruik said. “So we’re waiting for an actual date so we know when we’re gonna dance. . . The situation is crazy. I really want to dance and then go back to the family and get back to normal and hope the situation settles up really fast.”

So, it will be interesting to see if and when this fight happens. It’s certainly a bout a lot of people were looking forward to seeing. So, of the fights that have been postponed to date, chances are this one is high on the UFC’s list, in terms of making sure it happens.

Another key bout was the original headliner for UFC London: Leon Edwards versus Tyron Woodley. Since that bout was postponed, however, Woodley has been pushing for a fight with Colby Covington.