Representation matters for Jairzinho Rozenstruik as he strives to be an example for the younglings back in his country, Suriname, to dream big. The Surinamese fighter is the only one to represent Suriname on the global stage, and Rozenstruik is immensely proud of this fact. Unlike many fighters who leave their homeland after having a taste of sweet success, ‘Bigi Boy’ aspires to stay in his country and fight for the cause.

“In the future, I want to do a gym back home,” said Rozenstruik in one of his conversations with the media. For ‘Bigi Boy’ nothing gives him more satisfaction than representing his country. In one of his conversations with the media, the fighter emphasized why he takes pride in being the only Sumerian fighter. Let’s have a look at it.

All About Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s commitment to represent Suriname

Born and raised in Paramaribo, Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s parents were huge soccer fans. They were such big fans of his soccer that his parents named him after his huge soccer personality, Jair Filho. Growing up in the streets of Suriname, Rozenstruik used to play soccer and basketball. Going into martial arts was one of the biggest decisions that Rozenstruik made in his career and he joined MMA coaching when he was just 17.

There’s a rather unique fact about the fighter as well. What’s that? Well, it is the fact that he was the first athlete from a small South American nation to compete inside the Octagon. Jairzinho Rozenstruik has always stated that nothing satisfies him more than knowing the fact that he is the only fighter to represent his nation on the global stage.

In one of his interactions with the media, ‘Bigi Boy’ explained the reason why he loves fighting for his nation: “I’m a Suriname guy. I don’t want people to think that I’m from somewhere else,” said Rozenstruik. He added, “I’m very clear about where I come from. I’m proud to represent Suriname in the world. And at such a high level, too. That feels great. I’m glad that I’m in this position now.”

Well, for Rozenstruik, it is an immense honor to represent his country. The fighter states that he wants to give light to the upcoming generation who wants to follow his path, “I try to inspire fighters back home all the time.” Interestingly, after his impressive victory against Shamil Gaziev in the main event of UFC Vegas 87 ‘Bigi Boy’ confessed that getting back to the roots helped him.

Rozenstruik reconnects with his roots for his upcoming fights

Jairz͏inho Roz͏e͏ns͏tru͏ik͏ faced Dagest͏ani hea͏vyw͏e͏ight͏ Sham͏i͏l Gaziev͏ in the main͏ ͏event of͏͏͏ ͏UFC V͏e͏gas 87. C͏oming off ͏a ͏one͏-fight͏ l͏osing s͏͏͏t͏reak, Rozenstr͏uik ent͏ered th͏e Octa͏g͏on as͏ the underdog͏.͏͏ However͏, as the matc͏h p͏rogress͏ed, Roz͏enstr͏u͏ik ga͏in͏ed momentum,͏ ultimat͏el͏y k͏no͏c͏k͏i͏n͏g͏ out͏ Gaz͏ie͏v in͏ ͏th͏e fou͏͏͏rth ͏round.

After the victory, Rozenstruik broke down what helped him achieve the victory, “That’s my real power source. Going back to Suriname, lay down in the river, get my power. In Suriname we like to be reconnect with culture. Go into the river, lay grounding with the Earth, stuff like that. I feel like I was losing my power, navigating my true self, which brought me to this higher level.”

“I feel like I need to gain that again. … Take some rest, get away from everything, go into the jungle, lay down in the river that’s one of the main things. Grounding and connecting with the Earth, that’s one of the main things I used to do. It brings me relaxation, it brings me everything,” added the 36-year-old.

When you want to get back to your roots, it’s better to return to your homeland, and that’s exactly what happened with Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Regardless, what’s your take on ‘Bigi Boy’s confession? State your thoughts in the comments below.