UFC 117 Preview: The Prelims

Stefan Struve vs. Christian Morecraft

The UFC heavyweight division is officially no joke thanks to the sudden influx of quality talent at every level of the division. It’s a lesson that the undefeated Morecraft is being left to learn firsthand in his UFC debut against Dutch submission machine Struve.

For Morecraft to hold on to that undefeated mark he has to avoid the canvas at all costs. Whether it be from guard or top control, Struve’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu is built for finishes and nothing in Morecraft’s past suggests he has the submission defense to hold his own against him. More importantly, Morecraft was getting taken down by the likes of Lee Beane on the regional circuit -- a serious condemnation of his defensive wrestling.

While Struve’s takedowns have always been mediocre at best, he does use his lanky frame quite well in the clinch to hit deep leg sweeps and, failing that, pull guard. Being built like Manute Bol comes with its downside, but Struve is slick at using his long limbs to both disrupt his opponent’s base and hold dominant positions. Compare that to Morecraft, who likes to work a simplistic top game and it’s hard to imagine how he’ll even begin to get any work done on the floor.

The alternative is trying to win on the feet. Morecraft lacks the technique and power to take advantage of Struve’s defensive failings, though. Although Struve did get totally aced on the feet in fights with Roy Nelson and Junior dos Santos, he also accounted himself quite well against Paul Buentello and proved he can take a serious punch. Nice as it would be to see Struve learn how to throw a proper jab, he does work well in close quarters, which makes for a nice transition to his takedowns.

Beating Struve requires being able to overwhelm him on the feet or at least keep him from dictating the rules of engagement. Morecraft can do neither and is simply not ready for this level of competition. Running over minor leaguers is a good start in the sport, but it hasn’t done anything for Morecraft besides drive home the fact that he’s good enough to be New England’s best heavyweight.

Come fight time Struve’s penchant for brilliant offense and dyed-in-the-wool toughness will be too much for Morecraft to overcome with his standard-issue offense. Some entertaining exchanges on the feet will eventually give way to a brief bit of grappling that ends with Morecraft in defeat.