Jairzinho Rozenstruik Mourns the Loss of Longtime Coach Michael Babb
For any fighter, a coach is more than just a strategist—they’re a guiding light, a mentor, a friend, and often a second parent. This was especially true for UFC heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik, who recently experienced a profound loss with the passing of his longtime coach, Michael Babb.
Rozenstruik, also known as ‘Bigi Boy,’ first connected with Babb at the age of 17. Their relationship spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2005 and lasting until Babb’s death. Babb discovered Rozenstruik’s talent early on and mentored him throughout his rise in mixed martial arts. Their bond extended beyond training; it was a deeply personal connection that shaped Rozenstruik both as a fighter and as a person.
When announcing the heartbreaking news, Rozenstruik paid tribute to Babb on Instagram, calling him “one of the strongest person I knew” and thanking him for everything. He concluded his post with a message of love and respect: “Rest in peace Michael Babb. Legend.”
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It was previously known that Babb had been battling cancer since the previous year. Rozenstruik had spoken about his coach’s condition on social media, and the MMA community rallied to support him financially. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover medical expenses. In a heartfelt message posted in October, Rozenstruik wrote that Babb had always been a pillar of strength and wisdom in his life, and now it was time to support him in return.
Despite the efforts and support from fighters and fans, Babb ultimately succumbed to his illness, leaving a lasting legacy and a deep void in the lives of those he trained.
Though Rozenstruik is the most well-known fighter to have trained under Babb, he was not the only one. Babb also coached other fighters, including Isis Verbeek, who competed in Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. Though Verbeek didn’t secure a UFC contract, she continued to train under Babb, a testament to the trust and respect he earned from his athletes.
Following the announcement of Babb’s passing, numerous fighters and fans expressed their condolences. UFC figures like Marvin Vettori, Molly McCann, Marina Rodriguez, and matchmaker Mick Maynard all shared messages of support. Pedro Munhoz also offered his sympathies, writing, “My condolences, my brother.”
The Dutch MMA community also mourned Babb’s death, as he was based in the Netherlands. Fans remembered him as a warm and respected figure, with comments such as, “RIP Mike was such a great guy,” and “He was a great coach and greater man.” Others expressed empathy toward Rozenstruik’s grief, acknowledging the deep personal loss he must be feeling.
One fan, who had previously worked with Babb, reflected on the experience: “He was always a pleasure to work with.” Another wrote, “You guys were close. I’m so sorry,” recognizing the strength of their bond.
Now, the MMA world watches to see how Rozenstruik will respond to this loss. Will he seek a new coach and continue his career? Will he take time off or even consider retirement? Whatever his next step, fans and peers alike understand the depth of his loss and continue to offer support.
Rozenstruik’s future remains uncertain, but the legacy of Michael Babb—his mentorship, his impact, and his role in shaping champions—will not be forgotten.