What happens when Bigfoot tries to take down a skyscraper? We’ll find out this Saturday, when Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva meets the seven-foot Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve on the main card of UFC Fight Night 87.
While the title implications are slim, the matchup should deliver good action and a high probability of a knockout.
Bet on UFC Fight Night 87 odds at BookMaker.eu
Antonio Silva +145
Stefan Struve -185
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +160, under -185
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Struve is a clear favorite based on how poor Silva has looked in recent outings. Ever since the UFC banned TRT, the Brazilian has looked lethargic and tentative. However, Skyscraper hasn’t been any more impressive, going 1-3 in his past four. The over/under is especially fitting, as both men have a propensity of getting laid out cold -- Silva’s been knocked out in the first in three of his past four.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
At his peak, Silva was a brute with staggering KO power. While not a good athlete, he was spry on his feet and possessed good cardio for a heavyweight. Given the fact that he had to cut weight to make the 265-pound limit, Silva’s sheer size made him a factor in a thin division. And then his therapeutic use exemption for testosterone therapy was taken away.
These days, he is noticeably slower and his punching power seems to have declined. This has made him plodding target, and Bigfoot has suffered dire consequences as a result. Cain Velasquez tore him apart twice, he went through a five-round war with Mark Hunt, and he was knocked out by Arlovski, Mir and Hunt in a rematch. Silva’s best days are behind him.
Still, he’s got those big ‘ol fists, and he’s so naturally big that they’ll always be able to do some damage. That might be his saving grace against Stefan Struve. The Dutchman has an infamously vulnerable chin, and if Silva can plant a clean shot on it then it’s game over.
But that’s easier said than done. Struve is one of the younger fighters in the division at 28, and still at his physical peak. He moves surprisingly well for someone so tall, and his flexibility supports his considerable kickboxing and submission skills. At his best, Struve will pepper you with hard kicks and jabs from range, then take you down and lock in a choke with his long limbs.
Skyscraper’s problem is that he hasn’t really evolved since his days as a top prospect. He still can’t figure out how to use his height effectively, and his narrow frame makes him easy to take down. Fellow heavyweights have also never really respected his striking power -- he’s never had enough pop to end fights on the spot.
BETTING ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The UFC odds at BookMaker have Struve as close to a 2-to-1 favorite, and I agree. We’ve seen Silva age rapidly in his past couple fights, and it’s easy to see that trend continuing. But if you’re a betting man -- and you probably are considering that you’re reading this -- Silva also makes an intriguing underdog.
Nobody fears Struve’s striking, giving Silva an opportunity to walk him down and plant one of his ham hocks right on the button. We’ve seen it happen time and time again with Struve, and it could very well happen here. I’m picking the Brazilian in a mild upset.
UFC ODDS: Antonio Silva TKO Stefan Struve, Round 2
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines now at BookMaker sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC Fight Night Rotterdam takes place May 8, 2016 at the Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam Netherlands. The card will air on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.
