UFC Fight Night 21 Preview: The Main Card

Roy Nelson vs. Stefan Struve

The Breakdown: Seeing two heavyweight prospects matched against each other has become a rarity. However, thanks to the division’s sudden renaissance, the idea of Nelson and Struve cannibalizing each other’s hype makes more sense than usual. But who exactly has the advantage?

Nelson’s comical girth belies his skillful boxing and smothering top control, which makes for a visually jarring clash against Struve’s fluid Brazilian jiu-jitsu and preposterously lean frame. That Struve has yet to grow into his body shows in his occasional lack of balance and overall inability to use his reach effectively on the feet.

This will be a major problem for him, as Nelson’s timing on his punches and takedowns is on point. The skill level here appears roughly even, but Nelson has a better understanding of how to maximize his talent; Struve is only starting to come into his own. Bright futures await both fighters, but the present does potential no favors.

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The Bottom Line: Struve and his bottom game will make this fight a chore for Nelson. Tough as this fight may be for the former International Fight League champion, his superior boxing and wrestling will be too much for Struve to overcome with offensive guile, and the end game will inevitably have Nelson taking a well-appointed decision win.