Stefan Struve: Lavar Johnson lacks submission ability and strives hard to evade ground game - UFC News
Stefan Struve, the Dutch mixed martial art heavyweight proud, recently shared his analysis on his upcoming opponent, Lavar Johnson. According to him, the American proud lacks the ability to put forth a quality ground game, adding that his kickboxing along
with submission capability will play a vital role.
Struve further added in the short media session that he has a clear upper hand as he has converted himself into a submission specialist, as previously he was a successful kick boxer before becoming a mixed martial art brawler.
The Dutch belligerent was of the view that Lavar follows a one-on-one straight game which includes connecting fists, knees and kicks, whereas he has the advantage of kick boxing as well as the submission style which will definitely aid him in the upcoming
showdown.
Stefan and Lavar are scheduled to take on each other in a non-title heavyweight bout on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146 which will be televised live from MGM Grand Garden Arena situated in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
Stefan, 24, has been in a total 28 mixed martial art bouts and emerged victorious in 23. The Dutchman Struve has collected a huge 15 wins by making the opponent submit, six by knocking them out cold, just one by decision and remaining other one by disqualification.
His opponent, Lavar, 34, has been in a total 22 bouts and emerged victorious in 17. The American proud has pinned 15 opponents by knockout and just two by submission. It is this deficiency that has boosted and brought Stefan’s motivation level to an altogether
new height.
Stefan while sharing his thoughts commented that he has specially prepared himself while keeping in mind the force and power of Lavar’s key one-on-one stance. Struve was of the view that he just needs to use his kick boxing and foot work in the most apropos
manner.
Struve stated, “I think if I use my kickboxing the way I can, then he doesn't have much of a chance, and if I take him down, the fight is pretty much over. If I use my footwork the way I should and don't move straight back, I think I'll be fine.”
While explaining his Saturday night strategy, the Dutch proud remarked, “That's why he goes all out with his punches–because his ground game isn’t really the best in the business, in my opinion. I prepared myself for a really good striker with heavy hands,
so we worked hard on keeping distance, and just don't get hit. That's pretty much the game plan for this Saturday too.”
The bout will be a tough one and the odds are undoubtedly in favour of Stefan who has a multi-pronged strategy as compared to the knockout specialist Lavar. However, if ‘The Big’ Johnson grabs Struve in the early moments, the outcome might be different altogether.
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