Former UFC heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik has been arrested in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on charges of domestic violence battery and false imprisonment, according to official police records.
The 37-year-old fighter, originally from Suriname, was taken into custody on Monday after a woman accused him of physically assaulting her and preventing her from leaving a vehicle during a heated argument.
The arrest marks one of the most troubling chapters in Rozenstruik’s career, which once saw him rise to the top tier of UFC heavyweight contenders with devastating knockout power.
The Arrest: What Police Records Reveal
According to the report obtained by MMAJunkie from the Pembroke Pines Police Department, the alleged incident took place inside a vehicle.
The woman told police that Rozenstruik bit her arm after grabbing her during an argument.
She further stated that he would not allow her to exit the car, resulting in the additional charge of false imprisonment, which in Florida is taken very seriously and often accompanies domestic violence cases where the victim is restrained, blocked, or forcibly held against their will.
After officers responded, Rozenstruik was arrested and booked with a bond set at $3,500. However, even after the bond amount was established, the former UFC star was placed into immigration hold.
This often occurs when authorities require additional time to review a person’s immigration status or travel history, particularly in cases involving non-U.S. citizens who are involved in criminal proceedings.
As a Surinamese national, Rozenstruik’s immigration review is now an added legal complication.
At the time of reporting, no further details have been publicly released regarding court dates, the condition of the alleged victim, or whether Rozenstruik has secured legal representation. Updates are expected in the coming days as the case moves forward.
Rozenstruik’s UFC Journey: From Meteoric Rise to Sudden Exit
The news of Rozenstruik’s arrest comes less than a year after his exit from the UFC roster. Intense highs and dramatic lows have marked his MMA career.
A Breakout Year in 2019
Rozenstruik burst onto the UFC scene with thunderous force. After signing with the promotion in 2019, he quickly gained attention for his raw knockout power and composed striking style.
That year, he put together an impressive streak of four straight knockout victories, stopping opponents such as:
- Junior Albini
- Allen Crowder
- Andrei Arlovski
- Alistair Overeem (a last-second comeback KO that remains one of the most iconic finishes in heavyweight history)
This run rapidly pushed him into the heavyweight title picture and made him one of the most dangerous rising contenders in the division.
His striking background in kickboxing and his explosive style created a buzz among fans, many of whom saw him as a potential future champion.
The 20-Second Knockout Loss to Francis Ngannou
Rozenstruik’s momentum came to a crashing halt in May 2020 when he faced Francis Ngannou, who at the time was one of the most feared knockout artists in MMA.
The fight lasted only 20 seconds, with Ngannou charging forward and landing a brutal overhand combination that sent Rozenstruik crashing into the cage.
Despite the loss, the UFC continued to book him in high-profile matchups, but his career trajectory shifted significantly.
A Mixed Run: 5-5 Over His Final Ten UFC Fights
In the years that followed, Rozenstruik struggled with consistency. While he remained competitive against top-tier fighters, he could not find the sustained success needed to stay in title contention.
Between 2020 and 2025, he posted a 5-5 record. His wins often came by knockout, proving he still possessed elite striking power, but his losses exposed issues with his defense, pacing, and overall adaptability against evolving heavyweight competition.
The UFC ultimately parted ways with Rozenstruik in 2025, ending a six-year run inside the organization.
Life After the UFC: Competing in a Dirty Boxing Championship
Following his departure from the UFC, Rozenstruik continued his combat sports career in the Dirty Boxing Championship, a newer promotion focused on close-range striking, clinch fighting, and hybrid combat rules.
Though not as globally recognized as the UFC, the league has gained attention for its unique format and willingness to sign notable former MMA athletes.
Rozenstruik’s involvement suggested he wanted to remain active and rebuild momentum outside the UFC spotlight.
However, his recent arrest could dramatically impact his ability to compete in the near future. Depending on how the legal proceedings unfold, his fighting career may face an extended pause or significant complications.
Understanding the Charges: Domestic Violence Battery & False Imprisonment
Domestic Violence Battery
In Florida, domestic violence battery involves intentionally touching or hitting a person against their will, causing bodily harm, or threatening violence within a domestic context.
The allegation of Rozenstruik biting the woman’s arm directly fits within the physical-contact definition of battery.
False Imprisonment
False imprisonment occurs when someone intentionally prevents another person from leaving a location or confines them without legal authority.
According to the report, Rozenstruik allegedly prevented the woman from getting out of the vehicle, which led to this secondary charge.
False imprisonment is often viewed as an escalation in domestic violence cases because it suggests control, restraint, or coercion.
Immigration Hold
The immigration hold adds another layer of complexity. For non-U.S. citizens, even lawful residents, an arrest involving violence can trigger immigration review, potential detainment, or even deportation proceedings depending on the severity of the charges and the outcome of the case.
For Rozenstruik, a high-profile athlete from Suriname, this could affect:
- Future travel
- Visa renewals
- Ability to compete in U.S.-based promotions
- Employment opportunities with major combat sports organizations
Reaction From the MMA Community
While reactions are still developing, the MMA community has started to discuss the case with concern.
Rozenstruik was regarded as a generally quiet, reserved fighter outside the cage, making the allegations shocking to many fans who followed his journey from Suriname to international MMA recognition.
Promotions, coaches, and former teammates have not yet released formal statements, likely waiting for more details before commenting publicly.
However, cases involving domestic violence are taken seriously in combat sports, and organizations often choose to distance themselves from fighters facing such charges until investigations conclude.
Rozenstruik’s Career Before MMA: A Kickboxing Powerhouse
Before entering MMA, Rozenstruik built a strong reputation in kickboxing, especially across Suriname and Europe.
His striking background helped define his fighting style in the UFC, where he relied heavily on powerful counterstrikes and explosive combinations.
His transition to MMA was seen as a major step for Surinamese combat sports, inspiring many athletes in the region.
The recent allegations now cast a shadow over that legacy, at least temporarily, as legal proceedings take center stage.
What Comes Next for Rozenstruik?
With charges filed and an immigration hold in place, the next steps will depend on the court system. Typically, cases like this will involve:
- A court hearing to review evidence
- Possible no-contact orders
- Potential plea negotiations
- Continued immigration review
- Decisions regarding release or detainment
If the charges hold, Rozenstruik could face jail time, fines, mandated counseling, or further immigration consequences.
If evidence is insufficient or the case is dismissed, he may attempt to return to fighting or rebuild his public image.
Either way, the situation marks a significant setback for a fighter who once stood near the top of the UFC heavyweight division.
Final Thoughts
Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s arrest on domestic violence battery and false imprisonment charges has sent shockwaves through the MMA community.
From rising UFC powerhouse to a fighter battling legal and personal challenges, his journey has taken a dramatic and troubling turn.
As the case develops, more details will emerge, but the allegations themselves carry weight and seriousness that cannot be overlooked.
Fans, promoters, and observers now wait to see how the legal process unfolds and what this means for the future of the former heavyweight contender.
For now, Rozenstruik remains in custody under an immigration hold, and the MMA world watches closely as one of its former stars faces some of the most serious accusations of his career.