One of the most compelling heavyweight fights in recent memory was tabbed as the co-main event for UFC on Versus 6. Pat Barry is the division’s shortest fighter at 5-foot-11, while Stefan Struve is the tallest at 6-foot-11.
Barry fought at the last Versus event, where he nearly finished Cheick Kongo, before getting knocked out in one of the most exciting finishes this year.
Struve’s last Octagon appearance also ended in a knockout loss, as Travis Browne finished him at UFC 130.
Barry stalked early, but neither fighter looked comfortable with the height differential at first. Inside leg kicks connected from Barry. The first exchange didn’t come until near the midway point of the round. Struve tried to establish his range with his jab and teep. Struve looked to clinch, but Barry escaped. The fighters both looked to attack the head with leg strikes as the round ended, but the crowd voiced their disapproval of the slow-paced open stanza.
Body shot from Barry landed to start the second round. Struve threw a kick to the head that was blocked and Barry got inside to land a right hand. The fighters exchanged combos and began to open up. Struve again looked for a clinch, but Barry avoided any damage. Struve looked for a knee, but Barry landed a hook. Struve locked in a standing D’arce and brought the fight down to the ground. Struve transitioned to a triangle choke. Barry tried to slam Struve, but did not break the hold. Barry was forced to tap.
Struve rebounded from his loss to Browne with the submission win. “I’m thrilled with the result,” the Dutchman proclaimed in his post-fight interview.
For Barry, the loss is his second straight.
Official result: Stefan Struve def. Pat Barry by submission (triangle choke). 3:22, Round 2
Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.