Struve, Mitrione receive show and win money

Saturday night as Stefan Struve was warming up in the arena to fight Matt Mitrione, he suffered a near fainting episode.

“Had some palpitations,” said the UFC’s chief medical correspondent Jeff Davidson. “His heart felt like it was moving quick.”

Although it may have been simply a panic attack, it was of particular concern, as Struve has been out for 16 months due to an enlarged heart and leaking aortic valve. Although Struve quickly recovered and appeared to be normal, the bout was canceled as a precaution.

Fans were upset to lose the fight, and concerned for Struve’s condition. Struve on the other hand doubtless felt he had let the fans down, and was out his sponsorship money and his payday. Mitrione doubtless felt concern for his fellow fighter, and concern for his wallet.

About the only good thing you could say about the situation is that it could have been worse – the fainting spell could have happened in the cage, and it could have been worse that fainting. At the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White announced another piece of good news – both fighters were getting their win money plus their show money.

Struve got 40/40, Mtrione 30/30. Typically in a late cancellation, both fighters get their show money, but not their win money.

White said at the post-fight press conference that Struve needs to think through whether or not he wants to keep fighting.

I think it’s something he really needs to think about, said White as transcribed by MMAjunkie. Obviously, you meet some of these guys that love to compete so much that they overlook certain things. I think tonight showed he’s not one of those guys.

He started to black out and have a panic attack, like there was something wrong with his heart again, I think. This is all just what I heard. I think he needs to do some soul-searching. He’s a super-talented guy. He’s a great guy. We love the guy, and we’ll see where he goes from here.

Every specialist and doctor has cleared him and checked him out, and the commission approved him. It reminds me of the Holyfield thing. The guy’s going to have to retire, and then he’s back.

I guess tonight, he had something like a panic attack. He started hyperventilating. He almost blacked out. His blood pressure dropped. It’s just one of those weird things. I’m just glad he’s OK.

Struve offered a statement to MMAFighting.

“Tonight, during my warm up prior to my scheduled fight with Matt Mitrione at UFC 175, I began experiencing discomfort and anxiety,” explained Struve. “However, given my extended layoff as a result of my recent medical issues and the passing of my father, I dismissed my physical and emotional feelings as nothing more than nervousness. Unfortunately, as my warm up progressed, I collapsed in the locker room. After consulting the UFC and the doctors, the determination was made that in an abundance of caution I should not be allowed to compete.

“While, I am deeply disappointed that I was not able to perform for myself and the fans, I respect the decision and know that my health is the most important issue. I want to thank the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertita, Burt Watson, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Dr. Jeff Davidson for putting my safety first and showing tremendous compassion and empathy in a difficult situation. I also want to apologize to Matt Mitrione, he spent long months preparing to compete and was not able to do so. I want to thank my team, coaches, management and family for their unwavering support. Finally, I want to thank the fans for being by my side and supporting me throughout my career. I will take some time to myself to evaluate my health and career. Thank you for your support and understanding.”