Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik official for UFC 249

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale - USA TODAY & UFC

Originally scheduled for the postponed UFC Fight Night Columbus card on March 28th. - a potential heavyweight title-eliminator between Francis 'The Predator' Ngannou and Jairzinho 'Bigi Boy' Rozenstuik has been officially moved to UFC 249 on April 18th. News of the rescheduling was first reported by MMA DNA's, Marcel Dorff.

Cameroon knockout artist, Ngannou, has made huge leaps toward a second title-tilt in the Octagon in his three most prior outings. The Xtreme Couture trainee finished Curtis Blaydes for a second time, and former division champions, Cain Velasquez, and Junior dos Santos - all inside the opening frame as well. The 33-year-old earned a title opportunity against current gold-holder, Stipe Miocic back in 2018 - off the back of highlight-reel knockouts of the decorated, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem.

Talented kickboxer, Rozenstruik, has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects amongst his heavyweight peers - having made his Octagon bow in February of last year. The Suriname born finisher burst onto the scene with knockouts of Junior Albini, and Allen Crowder, before similarly to his UFC 249 opponent, Ngannou - knocked out both the aforementioned Arlovski and Overeen in brutal fashion. In his four Octagon appearances, Rozenstuik has only featured for an incredible thirty-minutes - almost twenty-five of them coming against Overeem.

UFC 249 will take place on April 18th. with a location and venue yet to be assigned. In the event's headliner, former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson will meet Justin Gaethje on short-notice, with interim spoils up for grabs. 

➜Twitter

➜Facebook

➜Instagram