UFC 124 Picks & Predictions: Struve vs. McCorkle
By Drew Sharper
One of the featured bouts of UFC 124 on Saturday is a heavyweight showdown between Stefan Struve and Sean McCorkle.
UFC 124 takes place from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10PM ET. Here is a look at both fighters and a pick for this heavyweight battle
Stefan Struve (20-4) -150
At 6-foot-11, Struve is a very long fighter that has a good range of kicks, punches, and submission skills. Not the quickest athlete, Struve is comfortable from his back where he can use his long legs to lock in triangle chokes. In his UFC career, which has spanned six fights, Struve has struggled more with strikers than grapplers. He has just 4 wins by TKO or KO and 14 by submission.
Sean McCorkle (10-0) +120
McCorkle is making just his second UFC appearance. In his debut he defeated former Pride veteran Mark Hunt by submission in 63 seconds. In his 10-fight career, McCorkle has four wins by KO or TKO and five by submission. All but three fights have not left the first round. For McCorkle, it would be wise for him to use his striking to best Struve. At 6-7, he lacks some reach, but he has more quickness an power in his strikes. Struve would like to get this fight to the ground where he can use his length to control McCorkle.
Who To Pick?
This fight will be about which man can implement his game plan as both have clear positions of strength over the other. I think the experience that Struve brings in will be the key and allow him to be the more composed fighter. If he can survive the opening outburst from McCorkle, he should be able to control most of the fight and win by submission in round three.
FREE PICK – STEFAN STRUVE -150