PRAGUE – Everyone always asks Stefan Struve’s opponents how they’re going to contend with a seven-foot Dutchman.
But the question facing Struve (28-11 MMA, 12-9 UFC) heading into a Marcos Rogerio de Lima (16-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is how he’s going to use his advantage.
In theory, Struve has one of the best natural performance-enhancers in the game. He can stand tall and fire down at opponents as if he were protecting a wall from invaders.
But in practice, that often doesn’t work out. And three consecutive losses underscore the importance to Struve of figuring it out.
“If I do it correctly, it’s my advantage, especially the way he fights,” he told MMAjunkie prior to his UFC on ESPN+ 3 heavyweight fight. “He throws short punches – short hooks and low kicks. But if I stay away from that, it’s my fight to win.
“The best way he fights is if he turns the fight into a brawl. But I’m stupid if I do that. So fight tall, fight smart, and win this fight.”
UFC on ESPN+ 3 takes place at 02 arena in Prague. Struve vs. de Lima co-headlines the card, which streams on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN2.
Of course, it’s easier said than done. Struve knows what he needs to do. Now, he just needs to get in there and make it happen.
Check out the above interview to hear his thoughts on the upcoming fight.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 3, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
