UFC heavyweights Stefan Struve and Jared Rosholt entered UFC 193 on Saturday night with their eyes on moving up the rankings. Struve came in as the No. 14-ranked contender, while Rosholt had won back-to-back fights inside the Octagon.
Most eyes were on Struve. "The “Skyscraper" has long been an interesting fighter in the division. The 7-footer has competed against some of the best in the division, and he is only 27 years old—much younger than the average age of the top 10 heavyweights.
As the fight opened up, the height and reach advantage for Struve was almost comical.
The opening round started tentatively, but Rosholt soon found an opportunity to complete a takedown. Once he had Struve on his back, it was difficult for the Dutchman to get up with the former NCAA star on top. Rosholt easily took the first frame based on control.
At almost the same point in Round 2, about halfway through the round, Rosholt got another takedown. Struve did manage to get back to his feet, but Rosholt was still attached and took him right back to the mat. Rosholt did not do much damage, but he won on control. Struve made the round somewhat close by landing an upkick and some elbows while on his back, but it was likely not enough to take the round. The Australian crowd was not pleased with the action, and they let the fighters know at the end of the period.
Struve's low output continued at the beginning of the third round. He touched up Rosholt with a couple of crisp jabs but nothing substantial. Later in the round Struve connected on some more single shots, but then Rosholt completed another takedown with one minute left. This time, Struve managed to get up quickly, but he couldn't do anything with the remaining time to finish the fight.
This was a disappointing fight that did nothing to elevate either man. It was not a great way to establish a new face at heavyweight.
Rosholt took the fight 29-28 on all three scorecards.
What's Next for Rosholt and Struve?
The hope for this fight was that the winner would be in a position to make a little noise in the top 10 of the division, but that clearly didn't happen. Regardless, Rosholt puts together three straight wins and needs another ranked fight.
Struve has to re-evaluate everything following this fight. He did next to nothing to win this fight. His takedown defense wasn't very good, his striking was not effective, and he looked lethargic. If he wants to become a true contender, he has to be able to beat one-dimensional fighters such as Rosholt.
There is not an enticing option for Rosholt's next fight. At this juncture, it may be a top-tier fighter who loses his next fight in the coming months. Or perhaps he could face Ben Rothwell, who is still in need of a fight, but that is unappealing to everyone.
Who can be next for Struve? Shawn Jordan? Timothy Johnson? Who knows. The heavyweight division is so shallow, and Struve cannot fight anyone of note after this performance. Maybe the UFC will have him fight a debuting heavyweight in 2016. Regardless his options are limited. After this showing, few will be excited for whatever the UFC comes up with for the towering heavyweight.
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