Sergei Pavlovich dominates Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Saudi Arabia

The UFC Saudi Arabia main card featured a clash between heavyweight contenders.  Fourth-ranked Sergei Pavlovich faced ninth-ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik at anb Arena in Riyadh in a match between heavy hitters.  

Pavlovich entered the fight coming off back-to-back losses for the first time in his 11-year mixed marital arts career.  Rozenstruik made the walk to the octagon riding a two-fight winning streak and looking to keep the momentum going.  

The two came out and stood in front of each other in the center of the cage.  They exchanged leg kicks and judged distance with their jabs.  Pavlovich landed the first power shot of the fight with a right hand early in the opening round.  Rozenstruik looked to counter.  Pavlovich pawed with his jab before missing with a right hand.  Pavlovich inched forward and was setting the pace.  He connected with a right hand.  Rozenstruik tried to change levels and take Pavlovich down but ended up on the bottom.  Pavlovich delivered short punches to the body and head inside the half guard position.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Pavlovich.

The took the center of the cage to start the second frame.  Pavlovich continued to paw with his jab.  Rozenstruik landed a leg kick and began to utilize his jab.  Pavlovich connected with a right hand and Rozenstruik came up with air on the counter.  Rozenstruik stepped in the pocket with a right hand and caught hit with a counter punch that knocked him down.  Pavlovich followed him to the canvas and gained top position with two minutes remaining in the round.  He delivered left hands to the head and right hands to the body.  Rozenstruik didn't put much effort in standing or improving his position.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Pavlovich.  

Rozenstruik's corner tried to hype him up with a sense of urgency before the final frame.  Rozenstruik popped his jab in Pavlovich's face.  A left and found its home for Rozenstruik.  Pavlovich stepped the pocket with a stiff left hand.  He clinched and took Rozenstruik down with three minutes left on the clock.  Pavlovich repeatedly delivered left hands to the body.  Rozenstruik remained downed by the fence unable to improve his position.  He worked his way to a knee and used the cage to stand.  They separated with 30 second remaining.  Pavlovich landed a left hand that staggered Rozenstruik.  The round ended with both men winging punches.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Pavlovich. 

The judges scored the fight for Pavlovich via unanimous decision.  All three scorecards read 30-27.