Stefan Struve announces his retirement after more than 15 years in the fight game.
Struve, 32, announced Monday morning that he was hanging up his gloves for good. "The Skyscraper" cited health issues that make high-intensity training very difficult, as well as his commitment to being a father.
“I caught a viral infection that has damaged my vestibular system and the hearing nerve in my right ear,” wrote Struve, citing effects like "major vertigo."
Struve, who previously considered retiring following his February 2019 submission win over Marcos Rogério de Lima, said it was time to put his family first.
“At this juncture, I realize that it’s time to hang up the gloves for good, and put my health and family first,” he explained. “I’ve had a long career and have battle through multiple injuries and health conditions, including a broken jaw and the heart condition. Pushing forward and training hard and fighting without listening to my body would be asking for real trouble in my opinion."
“I am truly appreciative of the career and treatment that I’ve had with the UFC. Everybody in the organization has always been amazing to me, so it is bittersweet to retire, but I also look forward to what the future holds for me and starting something new. I have to put my health first now, especially now I’m father," Struve concluded. “To the fight-fans, even though sometimes I had to dig really deep I had a lot of fun over the years, it was an honor to fight for you.”
Struve finishes his professional mixed martial arts career with a professional record of 29-13 with 18 submissions. His hit list includes Stipe Miocic, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Antonio Silva and Patt Barry.
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