Two heavyweights are set to collide at the fourth-quarter UFC on FOX show, as Alistair Overeem takes on the tallest fighter in the UFC, Stefan Struve.
UFC officials announced the fight booking late Wednesday night.
Overeem (37-14) has had tough luck in his three year UFC run, and is probably fighting for his job against Struve. He started off his debut with a knockout over former champion Brock Lesnar, and was set to fight for the title. He failed a drug test, and nine months later suffered two knockout losses to Travis Browne and ‘Bigfoot’ Silva. He then returned with a decision victory over Frank Mir but most recently, at UFC on FOX 50 was knocked out for yet a third time in his UFC career by Ben Rothwell.
Struve (25-6) last fought Mark Hunt early 2013 but his four-fight win streak came to a close. It was soon discovered he had heart problems, and finally was set to return at UFC 175 against Matt Mitrione, but as the event was going on, the fight was pulled from the card because he passed out. About two years ago he handed top heavyweight Stipe Miocic his first professional career loss.
UFC on FOX 13 takes place at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ on Dec. 13, 2014. It is expected to air live on FOX with a preliminary card on FOX Sports 1 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass. No other bouts for the event have been announced, but Cub Swanson vs. Frankie Edgar and Junior dos Santos vs. Stipe Miocic have been rumored for the event.
