Dutch kickboxer and perennial heavyweight standout Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve (21-4) takes on his third undefeated prospect in a row in the shape of Team Alliance MMA fighter Travis “Hapa” Browne (10-0-1).
Both heavyweights have a strong pedigree in striking with Struve having had some barnstorming fights against the more renowned competition, but Browne boasting the much heavier hands with 8 knockouts in 11 contests. Struve (who stands at a nausea inducing 6’11”), has heart in spades having taken a brutal beating by Chris Morecraft at UFC 117 but keeping his faculties to stop his wild fisted foe in round two and subsequently win ‘knockout of the night’. He then went on to defeat his second undefeated fighter in Sean McCorkle at UFC 124 with the wily Struve sweeping from the bottom to pound away for the TKO victory.
In contrast Travis Browne (who himself is billed as standing at 6’7″) has been on a absolute tear, demonstrating brutal KOs and ground and pound though admittedly against less vaunted opposition. He last fought to a disappointing draw back in October at UFC120 in London, UK against the colossal Cheick Kongo. A fight which he dominated in the early stages, but visibly tired to allow the resolute Frenchman back into contention. Up until then he had run riot, finishing almost all of his opponents, most notably in California based organisations such as Bellator and Gladiator Challenge. It will be interesting to see what effect if any, his last fight has taken. After looking so dominant in previous fights he will be hoping to regain the momentum that has propelled him into the big leagues of the UFC.
Though Struve has shown flaws in recent fights he is arguably a step up in class and has demonstrated a more complete game with 14 of his wins coming by way of submission. Browne can take confidence in his show stopping power and the fact that Struve has been knocked out more than once but he may also want to take note of the pedigree of fighter to which he fell.
He must look to close the gap and get inside Struve’s reach where he can impose his aggressive rhythm and bully his young opponent onto the fence. He may have the opportunity to catch one of Struve’s leg kicks, and if he manages to secure a takedown he would do well to unleash his ground and pound wisely and be wary of Struve’s impressive ground game and tenacity utilizing his long limbs from the bottom to tremendous effect.
Struve has stated that he has been working very hard on improving his stand up and has been sparring extensively with elite K1 heavyweight title contender Daniel Ghita. This will only serve to improve his game further. He must use lateral footwork and his considerable length to keep Browne at distance whilst delivering his heavy leg kicks to wear down his opponent. He must be cautious and not take any unnecessary risks against the heavy hitting Hawaiian who is more than capable of ending the fight in the blink of an eye.
I expect this to be a stand up war for the most part with Browne looking to blitz his opponent with his superior power but I believe Struve will weather the storm and his experience combined with Browne’s suspect stamina and at times lack of variety, will tell in the latter stages of the fight.
Prediction: Stefan Struve wins via submission in Round 3.
