Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve stands as tall as center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs at 6 feet and 11 inches, but superior height and reach (84 inches) won’t be the only aces up his sleeve when he faces Dave “Pee-Wee” Herman tonight on UFC on Fuel: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger.
The Dutchman’s most pronounced advantages over the 6-foot, 5-inch American are octagon experience and versatility in finishing opponents.
Struve (21-5) of Team Schrijber boasts a 6-3 win-loss record fighting for the UFC—winning almost 70 percent of his encounters inside the octagon since his debut on Feb. 21, 2009.
On the other hand, Herman (21-2) proudly holds a 100 percent winning percentage inside the UFC.
True, but that’s because the Team Quest fighter has fought only once in the world’s most renowned MMA organization, resulting in a most impressive third-round TKO (punches) victory over John-Olav Einemo in UFC 131 last June 11, 2011, which earned for both fighters Fight of the Night honors.
Of Struve’s six conquests inside the octagon, three were by submission holds over Denis Stojnić, Chase Gormley, and Pat Barry (Submission of the Night), who was his last opponent in UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson on Oct. 1, 2011. Two came by way of KO, against Christian Morecraft and Sean McCorkle.
All of Struve’s three octagon losses were inflicted by fight-stopping KO punches.
The first was courtesy of reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos, who gave him a nightmarish debut. The second was a first-round, 39-second finisher delivered by Roy Nelson.
The third was dealt by Travis Browne, who flew at him with a devastating Superman punch, before the end of the first stanza.
Knockout artist Herman (15 of 21 wins by KO) may be on paper the perfect foil for Struve, but three strikes are always more than enough lesson for any athlete.
Struve won’t fall for another fight-ending beating; he will prove that he has learned more in using his reach advantage in standup striking, and has further improved his ground skills to stifle any ground-and-pound.
Struve will take Herman to evening school tonight, and finish the fight by KO or submission, through whatever opening that would inevitably materialize for the UFC veteran.
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