Re: UFC 175 and TUF 19 Finale
Kontek
Stefan Struve may have the best story in sports. An enlarged heart almost derailed his career, but he is back with a clean bill of health. That said, he faces an athletic, quick and power-punching heavyweight in Matt Mitrione. Struve will either be refreshed or have ring rust. Either way, he is more skilled on the ground and will use his great size advantage on Mitrione.
Struve, Submission, Rd. 2
Smith
An active Struve would be a monstrous favorite over Mitrione, but it's hard to tell how Skyscraper will react after a 16-month hiatus. Mitrione has some scary power, especially in a matchup with a fighter who has suffered multiple knockout losses inside the Octagon. However, Struve does appear to have more ways to win, as his reach and ground game make him a tough opponent for most heavyweights.
Struve, Submission, Rd. 2
Amos
Neither Struve nor Mitrione is Mr. Consistent, and Struve's long layoff really obscures things even further. Yet when I look at each fighter's resume, it becomes clear who has been the better competitor to this point, and that is unquestionably Struve.
Struve, Submission, Rd. 2
MacDonald
It’s terrific to see Struve back competing. Like Joe Ellenberger, his career looked to be the least of his worries at one stage. How will he look on fight night? I’m expecting to see some rust, but he’ll get Mitrione to the ground eventually and earn the tap.
Struve, Submission, Rd. 3
Harris
This one's pretty open and shut. Struve has shown he can use his long body to constrict opponents on the ground and submit them. Mitrione has shown he cannot defend such things. His knockout of Shawn Jordan was impressive, but he won't get that chance against Struve.
Struve, Submission, Rd. 1
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