Alistair Overeem vs. Stefan Struve: A Full Head-to-Toe Breakdown

As one of three heavyweight showdowns scheduled to take place this weekend at UFC on Fox 13, veterans Alistair Overeem and Stefan Struve will attempt to impress and stake their divisional claim.

In an interesting on-paper matchup between two promotional standouts who are at their own respective career crossroads, this heavyweight clash could produce the next relevant title contender.

A victory for either fighter wouldn't be enough to warrant them an initial championship opportunity, but Overeem and Struve are two names that the promotion is eager to push.

It's going to be interesting to see how aggressive Overeem comes out considering he's been finished in the first round in two of his last three appearances.

It's also going to be interesting to see if Struve commands the Octagon or battles cage rust in his first action since March of 2013. He has been sidelined with a fairly serious heart condition that involved a bicuspid aortic valve (which means he has two leaflets instead of the normal three).

Needless to say, both heavyweights are desperately seeking a victory and have some of the best finishing ability in the sport today.

Here is a full head-to-toe breakdown for one of the more fascinating heavyweight bouts of 2014.

Striking Precision

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As one of the very best kickboxers on the heavyweight scene, Overeem does incorporate a respectable degree of precision.

But besides his smoldering knees in the clinch and punishing body kicks in the open, he isn't overly precise.

Sure, his attacks are technical and sometimes unpredictable, but he's a big body that often throws heavy punches.

Struve, on the other hand, is a little more tactical with his jab and footwork, evident by his finish over boxer Stipe Miocic back in 2012.

That's not to say that Struve is the better striker than Overeem, but his length (a reach of 84.5 inches compared to Overeem's 80-inch reach) and reserved ferocity allow him to attack more precisely.

That said, it's difficult to ignore the Reem's devastatingly timed body kicks and clinch work.

PUSH 

Knockout Power

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Believe it or not, Struve has four career knockouts under the UFC banner.

That comes as a surprise. Not only is Struve more of a submission expert, but he really isn't the heaviest hitter in the weight class.

But for Overeem, knocking people silly is his professional identity.

He flourishes in close quarters by smashing his opponents with muscle-driven attacks to the body and the head, which in turn has rewarded him with 15 career knockouts.

Don't get it wrong, though, because Struve can finish almost any heavyweight in the promotion.

But there's a simple difference in natural physicality and strength that provides Overeem with the necessary tools to reign supreme in the power department.

ADVANTAGE: OVEREEM

Wrestling

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With four combined takedowns throughout 18 UFC appearances, it's easy to see that neither Overeem or Struve offer worthwhile wrestling skills.

That's just not the type of fighters they are.

But when you take a look at Overeem's 80 percent takedown defense and the fact that he has trained alongside the likes of Jon Jones, Rashad Evans and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, he seems to have a more developed pallet.

Furthermore, Struve has recorded a dismal 30 percent takedown defense throughout his promotional tenure, although he's never been taken down more than once in a fight.

In any case, unless someone gets planted on his butt via strikes, it's highly unlikely that this fight goes to the ground.

SLIGHT ADVANTAGE: OVEREEM

Grappling

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Overeem is deceivingly good on the ground, having submitted the likes of Vitor Belfort and Mark Hunt throughout his lengthy career.

But over the years, due in part to his evolved physical build and ability to knock the best heavyweights out, the Dutchman has lost some of his ground gusto along the way.

That means that a guy as proficient and unpredictable as Struve can be on the mat could encounter an opportunity to end this fight via submission.

As one of the better heavyweights off his back and in midscramble, The Skyscraper's Gumby-like dexterity and length allow him to catch opponents in precarious positions.

Given the chance to grab an arm or wrap his rubber-band arms around a neck, the towering 26-year-old will be sure to capitalize.

MAJOR ADVANTAGE: STRUVE

Intangibles

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Everybody knows who Overeem is and what he's about.

As one of the most physically imposing heavyweights of all time, he's capable of strong-arming even the most athletic and skilled fighters around.

But to be completely frank, Overeem has fought like a ladle among knives since he made his promotional debut back in 2011 against Brock Lesnar.

In other words, he hasn't surprised anyone and doesn't offer enough variation in his attacks to label him as a fighter who can get it done no matter what.

But when it comes to Struve, who has a diverse laundry list of highlight-reel finishes, the word "X-factor" is easily applied.

So even though he isn't the best striker, doesn't have the strongest chin and rarely overpowers his opponent, Struve is someone who is unpredictable enough and considerably well-rounded to the effect of never being out of a fight.

ADVANTAGE: STRUVE

Verdict

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Maybe it's Overeem's lack of consistency in the UFC or the idea that Struve can pull off one of the more heartfelt comebacks of all time, but something is telling me that the Skyscraper will dispose of the Reem fairly early.

Remember, Overeem has been exposed of late, especially when it comes to protecting his chin and maintaining consciousness (which is usually something that fighters have a tough time putting behind them).

That said, Struve's long absence from the Octagon may prohibit him from getting off to a fast start, thus keeping Overeem active and dangerous into the second round.

But if recent comebacks have taught us anything, specifically Dominick Cruz's, it's that polished veterans who are hungry have no trouble feasting on arrival.

If Overeem sticks to his guns and rushes Struve within the first 30 seconds of the fight, he may get caught and deservedly find himself on the proverbial UFC chopping block once and for all.

VERDICT: STRUVE VIA FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT

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