Stefan Struve scared many in the mixed martial arts community Saturday night when an elevated heart rate and light-headedness caused his UFC 175 bout with Matt Mitrione to be called off.
The fight was supposed to be Struve's return to the octagon after more than a year away due to a leaking aortic valve and enlarged heart, so a last-minute medical issue raised understandable concern. However, doctors cleared Struve shortly after and released him later on Saturday evening.
"He's doing great," UFC president Dana White said at the post-fight press conference, explaining that he suffered a panic attack that caused hyperventilation and nearly a black-out.
Struve released a statement on the matter to UFC.com, apologizing to fans:
Tonight, during my warm up prior to my scheduled fight with Matt Mitrione at UFC 175, I began experiencing discomfort and anxiety. However, given my extended layoff as a result of my recent medical issues and the passing of my father, I dismissed my physical and emotional feelings as nothing more than nervousness. Unfortunately, as my warm up progressed, I collapsed in the locker room. After consulting the UFC and the doctors, the determination was made that in an abundance of caution I should not be allowed to compete.
While, I am deeply disappointed that I was not able to perform for myself and the fans, I respect the decision and know that my health is the most important issue...I also want to apologize to Matt Mitrione...Finally, I want to thank the fans for being by my side and supporting me throughout my career. I will take some time to myself to evaluate my health and career. Thank you for your support and understanding.
While everything checked out for the 26-year-old on Saturday, White suggested that Struve "really needs to think about" the possibility of retirement considering his medical history.
Struve is 25-6 as a mixed martial artist and 9-4 in the UFC, having lost to Mark Hunt by TKO in his last fight to snap a four-fight win streak that had him making noise in the heavyweight division.
Both fighters received their purse despite the bout's cancellation.
