Stefan Struve Says Retirement Not an Option After Heart Condition Diagnosis
Despite a recent diagnosis that indicated he has a serious heart condition, Stefan Struve continues to insist he will return to the Octagon, where the 25 year-old has become one of the sport’s most promising heavyweights.
Struve’s management team recently announced that the 7’0 tall fighter has been diagnosed with a leaking aortic valve and an enlarged heart, and as a result, the fighter has begun taking medication to treat the condition. Doctors will evaluate Struve in a couple of months to determine what course of action to take, if possible, so that he can fight again.
UFC President Dana White was reportedly asked about Struve while appearing on a Washington D.C. radio program recently, and although he credited the fighter for his toughness, he added he doesn’t believe he will fight again. White also noted that the promotion is doing everything “in our power” to help Struve recover.
In the latest tweet from Struve, the 25-6 fighter stated:
I DON'T consider retirement as an option, it's possible 2 come back from this & I'm gonna go for that & make it work! Just so you know 😉
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) September 5, 2013
Struve hasn’t competed since March when he was stopped by Mark Hunt, which ended his four fight win streak. During the run Struve scored wins over Dave Herman, Pat Barry, Stipe Miocic and Lavar Johnson.