The coronavirus outbreak has thrown the MMA world into disarray. Basically every major fight promotion has cancelled or postponed events, gyms are closed, and training has become increasingly difficult. Few fighters have been more affected by the global pandemic than sixth-ranked heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik was set to headline UFC Columbus this weekend against Francis Ngannou in a bout that could have determined the next heavyweight title challenger and would have determined the unofficial title of “scariest man in the UFC”. Now, those plans have been put on pause and ‘Bigi Boy” is stuck in a holding, waiting for news on when he will get to fight.

“We’re doing what we have to do, keeping training, waiting for an update,” Rozenstruik told The Schmo recently. “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.”

Rozenstruik is currently still training at American Top Team down in Florida while his family is back home in Suriname. The interruption in events means that now Rozenstruik is kept away from his family for an indeterminate amount of time while he waits for fight news. UFC President Dana White has said the UFC intends to rebook all of the postponed fights and that things will be “back in business” following UFC 249 on April 18, but Rozenstruik has a better idea: why not just have him and Ngannou fight on the UFC 249 card?

“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.”

Ngannou has not fought since last June and has been very vocal with the UFC about wanting to fight. He also recently suggested that he would be happy to fight on the UFC 249 card as well, so this outcome may be something the UFC is interested in putting together. Then again, they may also want to save this main event fight for another card down the road that is in need of a punch up. Regardless of how it happens though, Rozenstruik just hopes whatever is going to come, comes quickly so he can get back to his family.

“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.”

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VIDEO STEW

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Conor gets it.

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LISTEN UP

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Enemies.

Fuck coby. The most fragile most sensitive guy in ufc history. Can’t kick me out cause this rule was for fighters only. Not crotch sniffers that get their jaw broken by other crotch sniffers. @AmericanTopTeam we all know that dude is no fighter. https://t.co/TvmJXpucEz — Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) March 24, 2020

Friends?

Aljo refuting reports.

We’ve spoken about a few different opponents. As far as I know there is no fight announcement. Especially with all this chaos happening — Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 24, 2020

I don’t even have access to my gym anymore. It’s been a complete ban for everyone and you guys think I’m taking a fight? Yea, ok. — Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 24, 2020

Yea, we have someone on that card too. There’s only so much shadow boxing, and running you can do to prep for a fight, IMO.

And I’ve seen a training camp with no sparring before, reap the rewards of a KO!

I’m not blessed w/a home gym, weights, or mats. I’m ok with waiting ‍♂️ https://t.co/nmwbpnhi3d — Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 24, 2020

And Sandhagen confirms.

I did not see this coming.

How many husbands have taken this #quarantineandchill time to impress in the kitchen?!?! #anal — Travis Browne (@travisbrowneMMA) March 25, 2020

Ha! Love you but It’s gunna take more than a few tacos and a bowl a guacamole babe ≠ besides you don’t wanna be back there after all that hot sauce — Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) March 25, 2020

Trying so hard.

I always suspected but this confirms it, Corey Anderson hates fun.

Do not waste your time on that dang Tiger King show on @netflix . Don't ask, just don't even waste the time. I saw half an episode and that was enough. — Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) March 25, 2020

Tony is running out of weird ideas.

“All The Sauce” # McnuggetMonday # UnplugGoOutside # OldClip -CSO- pic.twitter.com/0FisQbf1eK — Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 24, 2020

A man of class and substance.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

N/A.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If both guys want to do it and the UFC is steadfastly refusing to listen to science, medical experts, and reason, sure - go ahead and put this on UFC 249. It’s a banger of a fight at least.

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

Poll Will Ngannou-Rozenstruik be added to UFC 249? This poll is closed. 49% Yes (243 votes)

50% No (247 votes) 490 votes total Vote Now

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