Stefan Struve Medically Cleared To Fight Again, Eyes Return In Three Months
UFC heavyweight slugger Stefan Struve has been sidelined for more than a year now, following a doctor’s diagnosis of a leaking aortic valve in the Dutch giant’s heart. ‘Skyscraper’ has watched the division go by without him, and the early news was that he may have to retire from MMA all together.
Recent news that Struve’s condition was improving was welcomed by his followers, and now ‘Skyscraper’ tells USATodaySports.com that he has been medically cleared to get back in the octagon:
“I’m just working on the last details with the UFC right now for my clearance, they’ve got everything — my doctor’s letter, medical files and everything. Everything is there, and we’re just waiting on the UFC to do their thing.”
Struve had gone 9-3 in the UFC before his condition was diagnosed, but his most recent appearance was a jaw-shattering KO loss to resurging heavyweight force Mark Hunt. The loss at UFC Japan in 2013 ended a four fight win streak for the Dutchman, which included finishes over Pat Barry, Stipe Miocic, Dave Herman and Lavar Johnson.
Although he had experienced the highest point in his MMA career, Struve claims that he was constantly battling illness behind the scenes:
“My body was only functioning at 60 or 70 percent,” Struve said. “Because of that, my body was way more prone to viruses and all that, so I got sick a lot. It was horrible. But I’m back. I left a year behind me that was the most difficult year of my life, but now I’m here. I’m back, and I want to fight. I want to show that I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world. I really feel like I’ve got another shot at all of this and I’m better than I’ve ever been.”
Now seemingly rejuvenated and highly motivated, could this be the year that Stefan Struve gets his title shot? He came close to it before losing to ‘The Super Samoan’ last march, and perhaps the time off has provided some time to regroup for the big man from the Netherlands. One thing is for sure, I’m keen to see him get back in action.
