Stefan Struve Spars for the First Time Since Heart Condition, Hopeful for UFC Return

When diagnosed with an enlarged heart and a leaking aortic valve in August, UFC heavyweight Stefan Struve’s future as a mixed martial artist seemed bleak, but the 7-foot tall Dutchman never wavered in his belief that he’d someday return to fighting.

On Monday, Struve tweeted that he sparred for the first time since February, taking the first step in the direction of a comeback.

While his timing was off due to an 8-month layoff from training, Struve said he felt good.

Struve’s cardiologists opted to treat his heart condition with medication rather than surgery, and the 13-fight UFC veteran has seen marked improvement. He recently tweeted an update on his progress.

Struve will continue to train while on medication and monitor any improvements or setbacks. It’s still unclear if he’ll return to fighting, but if you ask him, it’s a matter of when, not if.

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