Michael Babb, the longtime coach of UFC fighter Jairzinho Rozenstruik, passed away on June 1, 2025, 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 2024, and by October of that year, his health had significantly declined.
Mahmoud Sebie and others launched a GoFundMe campaign, “Support Michael Babb’s Fight Against Colon Cancer,” 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, 2025.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik has announced that his long time head coach Michael Babb has sadly passed away. 💔 pic.twitter.com/t3bUbza4X2
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) June 1, 2025
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, fans on X remembered his contributions, 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!
