Jairzinho Rozenstruik won his first UFC main event against Shamil Gaziev, who was unable to continue into Round 5 due to vision problems, marking Gaziev’s first professional loss.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik didn’t let Shamil Gaziev last the whole fight in his first UFC main event. The heavyweight headliner on Saturday ended prematurely, before the start of Round 5. Gaziev, battered and bruised, couldn’t continue after referee Marc Goddard’s inspection.
Goddard found himself in a fiery debate with Gaziev’s team. But Gaziev’s vision issues led to the bout’s stoppage. This marked Gaziev’s first pro career loss, and social media wasn’t kind. UFC flyweight Cody Durden‘s response was a blunt “Wow, what an embarrassment.”
Former light heavyweight contender Jimi Manuwa also criticized the fight’s end. He wrote, “He said he can’t see but the big guy gave up in there.” But not everyone was critical. Some praised Rozenstruik’s performance. Check out the best social media reactions to the UFC Vegas 87 main event below.
Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) tweeted, “Wow, what an embarrassment.” on March 2, 2024. JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) commented, “He said he can’t see but the big guy gave up in there. #ufcvegas” on the same day.
Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) noted, “The fact that Gaziev was fighting in a main event in his 2nd fight in the org is actually wild – Rozenstruik showed there are levels #UFCVegas87” on March 2, 2024. Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) tweeted, “It felt more like he just didn’t think he could win anymore, rather than his eye actually being an issue. #UFCVegas87” on the same day.
Ode’ ⭕️sbourne (@OdeOsbourne) praised the referee, tweeting, “I’ve said this before these ref’s don’t get enough credit. Very nice stoppage. #UFCVegas87” on March 2, 2024. Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) also commended Goddard, tweeting, “Goddard did a fantastic job there. Sensed there was an issue/injury. Did a little investigation and stopped the fight. Not the cleanest/greatest of fights but good on Rozenstruik to turn it up in round 4.” on the same day.