Struve Vs. Hunt possible for UFC on FUEL 8
A showdown between heavyweights Stefan Struve and Mark Hunt appears to be in play for the UFC’s return to Japan on March 2. MMAWeekly.com reported that sources have all but confirmed that the two heavyweights will throw down inside of the Octagon at the Saitama Super Arena for UFC on FUEL 8. It’s an interesting fight between two total polar opposites.
Struve is riding a four fight win streak with impressive victories including a 2nd TKO against Stipe Miocic, a first round armbar submission over Lavar Johnson, another TKO against Dave Herman and a triangle armbar submission victory over Pat Barry. It’s pretty safe to say that the 24-year-old has matured quite well since losing by devastating knockout to Travis Browne back in May 2011.
Meanwhile, Mark Hunt is riding a three fight win streak after dropping five in a row. With knockout victories over Cheick Kongo and Chris Tuchscherer, as well as a unanimous decision victory over Ben Rothwell, Hunt has gone from middling journeyman to a legit threat who is always fun to watch.
Where it gets interesting is the distinct advantages Struve holds over Hunt. The Super Samoan stands at 5’10” while Struve towers over him as a 7-footer. Struve also holds an advantage in the youth department as Hunt is 14 years his senior at 38. However, Hunt has been able to overcome height and age disadvantages before and always shows up when the chips are down. Hunt will also have the home field advantage as Japan has seen him fight MMA and K-1.
We’re hopeful that these two get it on as there’s no doubt that this has Fight of the Night potential.
