A bout between two of Europe’s top ranked heavyweights, Francis Ngannou and Stefan Struve, looked set to be taking place at the UFC’s event in Stockholm next May according to reports coming from Sweden’s MMA NYTT — though these were swiftly nixed by Struve himself.
Ngannou (10-1) has looked incredibly impressive in his five UFC outings thus far, winning each of them by stoppage since making his debut with the organisation in December 2015. Most recently the Frenchman took just over 90 seconds to get past former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in January in what was Ngannou’s second successive ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus win.
In Stefan Struve (28-8) , Ngannou would have faced an experienced opponent who has earned victories over Daniel Omielanczuk, Antonio Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogeuria in his recent bouts but the Dutchman moved to end speculation of a bout between the two Europeans.
Just to end these rumors right away, me and @francisngannou aren't fighting in Sweden may 28th. I'm still recovering from shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/HaxLQ0R5ld
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) March 2, 2017
Ngannou is currently in Las Vegas as a guest fighter for this weekend’s UFC 209 card, so you can expect to hear some comments from the French heavyweight as soon as he is put in front of the media.
Other bouts already announced for the UFC’s first return to Stockholm since January 2015 include a main event showdown between Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixera, as well as Chris Camozzi vs. Magnus Cedenbled.
