Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s Long Time Head Coach, Michael Babb, Passes Away, Leaving His Family And The Entire Martial Arts Community In Mourning!
He was the head coach at Vos Gym in Amsterdam, and Netherlands.
June 1, 2026
This article was last updated by Sangita Budhathoki on June 1, 2026
Michael Babb, the longtime coach of UFC fighter Jairzinho Rozenstruik, passed away on June 1, 2026, due to stage IV colon cancer.
He was a key figure in Rozenstruik’s career, discovering him at Rens Project gym in Suriname and later coaching him at Vos Gym in Amsterdam.
Under Babb’s guidance, Rozenstruik became a successful kickboxer, winning 76 of his 85 matches, including 64 by knockout.
Babb also helped him transition to MMA, where he achieved a 15-5 record in the UFC.
Along with Rozenstruik, Babb coached other fighters like Isis Verbeek and Mahmoud Sebie.
Michael Babb Passed Away After Battling Cancer For Nearly A Year!
Michael Babb was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2026, and by October of that year, his health had significantly declined.
and others launched a GoFundMe campaign, “,” to support his treatment.
The cancer had spread to his lungs and liver, causing severe weight loss and difficulty with basic tasks. Despite efforts to help him, Babb passed away on June 1, 2026.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik has announced that his long time head coach Michael Babb has sadly passed away. 💔
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit)
Babb began his coaching career in Suriname in 2005, where he discovered a 17-year-old Jairzinho Rozenstruik at the Rens Project gym in Paramaribo.
Recognizing Rozenstruik’s potential, Babb took him under his wing, and the two maintained a close coach-athlete relationship for two decades until Babb’s passing.
In addition to coaching, Babb also served as the head coach at Vos Gym, a prominent martial arts training facility in Amsterdam.
Under his guidance, the gym became a hub for developing elite kickboxers and MMA fighters.
Michael Babb was not just a renowned martial arts coach; he was a beloved figure in his family and martial arts community.
He was widely remembered as a father figure and mentor in his community.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik, one of his most successful students, described him as one of the most influential teachers in his life.
He reflected on their time together and how Babb helped him grow both as a fighter and as a person.
In his heartfelt message, Rozenstruik expressed his gratitude, saying:
One of the strongest people I knew, Thank you for everything. Rest in peace, Michael Babb.
Moreover, , with one user writing,
He gave Suriname a voice in the UFC through Rozenstruik. His legacy lives on.
His passing was deeply felt in the combat sports world, with many expressing their grief and gratitude for his contributions.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Michael Babb’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
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Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.
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