UFC 146 kicked off its all-heavyweight pay-per-view with an intriguing matchup between heavyweight slugger Lavar "Big" Johnson (17-5) taking on Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve (27-5).
Struve made quick work of Johnson, submitting him in the first round with an armbar.
What we'll remember about this fight:
This wasn't a fight many expected to go out of the first round. With the power of Johnson and submission skills of Struve, it was going to go one of two ways.
In heavyweight MMA, finishes are what the fans want to see. Struve picks up his seventh victory by TKO or submission in the UFC with this win.
What we learned about Stefan Struve:
There wasn't much learned about Struve, who used his submission skills that have been on display many times before in the UFC.
"He's a heavy hitter so why give him a chance against me," Struve said in the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
If anything, Struve's previous losses have taught him to take the safe route and not go toe-to-toe with an opponent who is dangerous on the feet.
What we learned about Lavar Johnson:
Despite having the punching power of a heavyweight, Johnson lacks in other areas in his game, especially submission defense.
This was the fifth submission loss of Johnson's career. He will need to work on that more going into future bouts.
What's next for Struve:
A fight with Mark Hunt is still an intriguing fight that guarantees a quick finish for either guy. Both are on three-fight win streaks.
What's next for Johnson:
A fight versus the loser of Roy Nelson and Dave Herman could be a fan-friendly fight that sees someone getting knocked out.
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