Could the Next UFC Resurgence Come from Stefan Struve?

By: Connor Hayden

Recently, the UFC has seen several extraordinary comebacks. We have seen fighters like Frank
Mir, Andrei Arlovksi, Ben Rothwell, Matt Brown, Rafael Dos Anjos, and Robbie Lawler all
experience career resurgences. However, the 3 heavyweights listed are now coming off one-
sided losses, leaving room for another contender to emerge.
Struve is coming off a 16-second TKO victory over Bigfoot Silva at UFC Rotterdam last
Sunday, the 3rd fastest finish in heavyweight history. He did catch Silva at what could be the very
end of his career, but this could still be a huge moment in the rebirth of Stefan Struve.
After paying his respects to fallen Blackzilians teammate, Jordan Parsons, Struve informed us
that he is nowhere near finished with his career. In the octagon he passionately proclaimed,
People thought I lost it. I didnt lose it. Im back. Im back.
Those judging the Skyscraper negatively based on his last few fights need to do some research.
Struve is a 17 fight vet in the UFC, amounting an 11-6 record. He has finished all but 2 of those
victories. He also holds a 2nd round knockout victory over the current UFC heavyweight
champion, Stipe Miocic.
Struve was riding a 4-fight win streak and on the verge of a title shot before he had a disastrous
year in 2013. He was victim to a signature Mark Hunt walk off knockout, and was then put on
the shelf due to a possibly life threatening injury. He was diagnosed with a leaky aortic valve and
an enlarged heart. His manager, Lex McMahon, released a statement shortly after speaking with
doctors and explained the injury in detail. The doctors found that Stefan has a bicuspid aortic
valve, which means that his aortic valve only has two leaflets, instead of three.
The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the major blood vessel that
brings blood to the body. In combination with the enlarged heart it causes his heart to only pump
70 percent of the blood into the aorta and then the rest of his body, and the remaining 30 percent
ends up back in the heart chamber.
Stefan has now found a new home with the Blackzilians. He has been with the team for roughly
15 months and he claims that they have made him a much more aggressive fighter. He took part
in an interview the morning after his Rotterdam fight on the MMA Hour. He was questioned
about the difference he made this training camp. He answered, When I would have guys up
against the wall or in a bad spot I wouldnt really follow up and finish. I was too nice. And this
training camp I wasnt nice. Another Blackzilian has put another division on notice.
Now that he is finally healthy, he looks to continue where he left off in 2012. Some people tend
to forget that he was only 24 when he demolished Stipe. At 28, he still has plenty of time for a
title run. It is well-known that heavyweights careers last longer than normal careers. The current
champion, Fabricio Werdum, has seemingly just reached his prime at the age of 38.
Struve is now healthy, focused, and surrounded by a stable of high-level heavyweight training
partners. That could be the perfect storm for a resurgence. Stefan is encircled by greatness with
coaches Henri Hooft and Neil Melanson, plus training partners like Tyrone Spong, Matt
Mitrione, Anthony Johnson, and Rashad Evans. This team hopes to see the Skyscraper tower
over the division once again.
His plan of action from here is to fix up a minor hand injury and begin to build up his winning
streak. There are countless opponents in this newly deep division for someone in Struves place.
With the top of the division booked, Struves best bet is to test his skills against an up and comer.
Possible opponents include Walt Harris, Jared Cannonier, Francis Ngannou, or Cody East. If he
decides he is ready to take on a top 10 fighter, he is going to have a limited options. JDS,
Rothwell, Arlovski, and Barnett are available. Who would you like to see Stefan Struve face
next?