UFC 146 preview: Struve vs. Johnson
Stefan Struve (23-5) vs. Lavar Johnson (17-5)
Kicking off the all-heavyweights UFC 146 card is a battle between the towering Dutchman Struve and the knockout artist Johnson.
The 24-year-old “Skyscraper” Struve was priming for a clash with Pride veteran Mark Hunt before Johnson stepped in for the injured New Zealander on short notice.
Struve, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, is the tallest fighter in the UFC. Standing at 6-foot-11, Struve’s long reach and improving striking makes him a fighter to look out for in the future as he continues to build muscle mass, while ameliorating his technique.
The Dutchman is riding a two-fight winning streak, finishing Dave Herman and Pat Barry, adding to his resume that includes wins over Sean McCorkle, Christian Morecraft, Paul Buentello and Chase Gormley. Struve has suffered knockout losses against Travis Browne, Roy Nelson and heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos, which has led to many observers questioning the durability of his chin.
However, his three aforementioned conquerors are all proven knockout specialists, and the youngster Struve is only improving with age. With 28 professional fights already under his belt, Struve is vastly experienced with a bright future ahead.
The 34-year-old Johnson is on the best run of his career, scoring a pair of vicious knockout wins over Joey Beltran and Pat Barry after joining the UFC this past January.
Johnson last fought just three weeks ago, jumping at the opportunity to replace Hunt on the UFC 146 pay-per-view card.
For most fighters joining the UFC, the nerves and level of competition are often too much to cope with. Many fall under the pressure, but Johnson has done just the opposite.
After back-to-back losses against Shane Del Rosario and Shawn Jordan under the Strikeforce banner, Johnson has turned in a pair of highlight reel performances in the UFC.
The American Kickboxing Academy product, who trains with the likes of Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier, is one of the heavyweight division’s hardest hitters.
Despite possessing a clear height and reach advantage, Struve should avoid a kickboxing match with Johnson, who will come forward relentlessly winging heavy punches.
Struve’s best shot of winning could be to pull guard and fish for submissions. With world-class wrestlers in his training camp, Johnson will need to sprawl effectively and keep the punches coming.
Struve shouldn’t be underestimated, as he’s well-versed in all areas, but his susceptibility to heavy punches could leave his jaw open to Johnson’s clobbering fists.
The longer he stands and trades, particularly with his back against the cage, the more the fight will sway in Johnson’s favor. Struve’s conditioning and submissions are obvious points where he has an advantage, but Johnson can end the fight at any instant if he connects with a combination.
Struve’s movement will be imperative in the early stages, but Johnson will keep coming forward. The fight is really a toss-up as it will come down to whose strategy is better executed, but Johnson’s momentum since joining the UFC should carry him to another career defining performance as he closes the distance and unleashes a storm of crippling punches, putting Struve away in spectacular fashion.
Verdict: Johnson via KO, Round 1
