“First of all, congratulations to Jairzinho Rosenstrike – he did a good job today,” the heavyweight wrote on social media. “I suffered an eye and nose injury in the second round and couldn’t follow the fight plan.”
“If anyone thinks this is going to break me, I will disappoint you. I’m going to get back in the gym soon, and I promise my fans that I’m going to get better.”
Shamil Gaziev, 34, made a successful debut under the world’s strongest league banner last December, finishing Martin Budaj by technical knockout in the second round, and could move into the top-15 of the UFC’s heavyweight division if he wins over Jairzinho Rosenstrike.