Stefan Struve Maps Out Plans for UFC Return by Mid-to-Late Spring 2014

After he went to the hospital a few months ago and was diagnosed with a leaking aortic valve, as well as an enlarged heart, most people, including his boss, questioned whether or not Stefan Struve would ever fight again.

Struve still has a long road to travel, but never faltered in his belief that he would one day return to his pursuit of the UFC heavyweight title.

He’s far from cleared to fight, but he is well on his way.

As his representative, Nima Safapour, told MMAWeekly.com recently, “He is taking the supervised medication and is back to training.”

Struve is currently training at about 80-percent of normal capacity, according to a report on UFC Tonight on Wednesday.

As long as his training at 80-percent continues to go okay, he will visit the doctor again on Jan. 2. If that check-up goes well, he will get the green light to return to his normal training at 100-percent capacity.

If his training at that point continues without issue, Struve will then return to the doctor six weeks after the Jan. 2 check-up for another diagnosis. If that goes well, he will get a second opinion from another specialist, and if cleared, will be able to apply for a license to fight again.

Struve’s manager, Lex McMahon, told UFC Tonight that his goal is to be ready to fight by mid-to-late spring in 2014.