Shamil Gaziev’s first career defeat was a harsh dose of reality.
After relying on his grappling to win the opening round of the UFC Fight Night 238 headliner against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Gaziev faded badly from that point forward. For the next three rounds. his wrestling was denied and absorbed multiple jabs from his opponent, an assault which led to the bout being waved off by referee Marc Goddard before the fifth round.
While it appeared that Gaziev’s resolve weakened over the course of the bout, he released a post-fight statement on social media vowing to get better.