Shamil Gaziev Seeking To Prove He Is A UFC Heavyweight Contender

Gaziev headlines tonight’s UFC Fight Night against Jairzinho Rozenstruik

In his first appearance in the Octagon, Shamil Gaziev looked unstoppable as he pummeled Martin Buday. A far tougher test comes later this evening when he faces off against Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Rozenstruik (13-5) is by no means in title contention, but he is the UFC’s no. 12 ranked heavyweight–and has faced plenty of the division’s most elite fighters. He lost this past May to Jailton Almeida, who appeared to be the next new heavyweight contender until he was exposed for his lack of offense in a bout against Derrick Lewis.

Gaziev (12-0) looks to be the real deal, but there are reasons for doubt. That begins with his age (34) and lack of experience. A product of the Kingdom of Bahrain, an island country in West Asia, Gaziev needs an emphatic victory against Rozenstruik to show why he belongs in the rankings.

“This is a great opportunity to beat a ranked fighter,” said Gaziev, speaking through a translator. “It is another step in my goal, which is to get the UFC title. I am going to do everything in my power to win that belt and bring it home.”

An alum of Dana White’s Contender Series, Gaziev is a talented striker and grappler. He will need to showcase both against Rozenstruik, who will be looking for an early knockout blow.

“I am not the youngest guy in the division and I started MMA late, but I am a new generation fighter,” said Gaziev. “People will see that here in this fight.

“The main event is a big responsibility, and I will prove that I deserve this.”