UFC 124 – Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle Prediction

Fight Overview:  Two skilled and well-rounded grapplers go at it as undefeated prospect McCorkle takes a big step up in competition against Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve.  McCorkle has looked good so far in his career, but Struve is a big step up and his height and reach make him an awkward matchup, so this should be a good fight.

McCorkle’s Strengths:  McCorkle has good submissions, decent wrestling, and hard ground and pound.

McCorkle’s Weaknesses:  His level of competition thusfar has not been high at all.

Struve’s Strengths:  Struve has top-notch submissions from every position, a ridiculous amount of reach, and technically sound striking.

Struve’s Weaknesses:  He doesn’t have much fight-ending power and his lanky frame makes it hard for him to wrestle effectively.

The Verdict:  I think this fight favors Struve.  McCorkle has better power and wrestling, but Struve’s length is going to be a huge issue, as McCorkle is going to have to wade through his punches to land anything.  I think Struve’s superior reach will force McCorkle to try and make this a ground fight, and on the ground Struve’s submissions are just too slick for him to handle.  Struve by submission.