This Week’s MMA Birthdays: Stefan Struve Turns 26

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The tallest man on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster, Stefan Struve will celebrate his 26th birthday on Feb. 18.

A former Cage Gladiators champion, Struve has not competed since doctors detected a heart defect following his knockout loss to Mark Hunt at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in March. The defeat interrupted the 7-foot Dutchman’s four-fight winning streak, which included a technical knockout against the previously unbeaten Stipe Miocic at UFC on Fuel TV 5. Struve has compiled a 9-4 record since arriving in the UFC in February 2009, earning five post-fight performance bonuses: three for “Submission of the Night,” one for “Knockout of the Night” and another for “Fight of the Night.” He was reportedly cleared to resume training in November.

Struve has never lost back-to-back bouts in his 31-fight career. A Bob Schrijber protégé with a penchant for the finish, he has delivered 23 of his 25 professional victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission.

Those in MMA celebrating a birthday during the week covering Feb. 16-Feb. 22:

FEB. 16

Zelg Galesic (35)
Carina Damm (35)

FEB. 17

Brett Rogers (33)

FEB. 18

Marvin Blumer (32)
Melvin Blumer (32)
Fabiano Silva da Conceicao (26)
Stefan Struve (26)

FEB. 19

Chad Leonhardt (34)
Nam Jin Jo (23)

FEB. 20

Antonio Inoki (71)
Rousimar Palhares (34)
Tim Means (30)

FEB. 21

Paul Daley (31)

FEB. 22

Gregor Herb (36)
Edgar Garcia (30)

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