Jairzinho Rozenstruik is a rising star in the UFC heavyweight division. He has won 13 of his 18 MMA fights, 12 of them by knockout. He is known for his explosive power, speed, and resilience.
But he is also known for his impressive tattoos, which cover most of his upper body. What do they mean, and what inspired him to get them? In this article, we will explore the meaning and design of Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s tattoos, and how they reflect his personality, culture, and journey.
The Suriname Flag
One of the most prominent tattoos on Rozenstruik’s body is the flag of Suriname, his home country. He has it inked on his chest, right above his heart. The flag of Suriname consists of five horizontal bands of green, white, red, white, and green, with a large yellow star in the center. The green represents the fertility and natural resources of the country, the white symbolizes justice and peace, the red stands for progress and love, and the yellow star represents the unity and hope of the people.
Rozenstruik is proud of his Surinamese heritage, and he often wears the flag as a cape when he enters the octagon. He is one of the few Surinamese fighters to compete in the UFC, and he wants to represent his country and inspire the next generation of athletes. He said in an interview, “I want to show the world that Suriname is a small country, but we have big fighters. We have big hearts. We have big dreams. And we can make it happen.”.
The Lion
Another noticeable tattoo on Rozenstruik’s body is the lion on his right shoulder. The lion is a common symbol of strength, courage, royalty, and leadership. It is also the national animal of Suriname, and it appears on the coat of arms of the country. Rozenstruik chose the lion as a representation of his fighting spirit, his confidence, and his respect for his roots.
He said, “The lion is the king of the jungle. He is fearless, he is powerful, he is majestic. He is also loyal, he protects his family, he respects his territory. That’s how I see myself as a fighter and as a person.”
Jairzinho Rozenstruik Tattoo Meaning
| Tattoo | Location | Meaning | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suriname Flag | Chest | Pride of his home country | Five horizontal bands of green, white, red, white, and green, with a yellow star in the center |
| Lion | Right shoulder | Strength, courage, royalty, and leadership | A realistic portrait of a lion’s head |
| Tribal Patterns | Arms and shoulders | Tribute to the Maroon culture of Suriname | Various geometric and organic shapes |
| Names | Arms, chest, and back | Love and gratitude to his family and friends | The names of his mother, father, brother, sister, son, and best friend in script font |
The Tribal Patterns
Rozenstruik also has several tribal patterns on his arms and shoulders. These are inspired by the Maroon culture of Suriname, which is the culture of the descendants of African slaves who escaped from the Dutch colonizers and established their communities in the interior of the country.
The Maroons have a rich and unique history, culture, and identity, and they are known for their art, music, dance, and spirituality. Rozenstruik said that he admires the Maroon culture, and he wanted to pay tribute to their resilience, creativity, and freedom.
He said, “The Maroons are a part of Suriname’s history and diversity. They have a beautiful and colorful culture, and they have a strong connection to nature and their ancestors. They have also fought for their rights and their independence, and they have preserved their traditions and values. I respect that, and I want to honor that with my tattoos.”
The Names
Rozenstruik also has the names of some of his family members and friends tattooed on his body. He has his mother’s name, “Rita”, on his left arm, his father’s name, “Jair”, on his right arm, his brother’s name, “Jairzinho”, on his left shoulder, and his sister’s name, “Jairlene”, on his right shoulder.
He also has the name of his son, “Jairzinho Jr.”, on his chest, and the name of his best friend, “Romeo”, on his back. Rozenstruik said that these names are a way of showing his love and gratitude to the people who have supported him throughout his life and career. He said, “These are the people who mean the most to me.
They are my family, they are my friends, they are my motivation. They have always been there for me, through the good times and the bad times. They have helped me, they have encouraged me, they have believed in me. They are a part of me, and I want to carry them with me wherever I go.”
Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s tattoos are more than just decorations. They are expressions of his identity, his culture, and his journey. They tell a story of his roots, his dreams, his challenges, and his achievements. They reveal his personality, his values, and his passions. They are a reflection of who he is, and who he wants to be. As he said, “My tattoos are a part of my history, my present, and my future. They are a part of my soul.”
