Matt Mitrione Talks UFC 175 Fight With Stefan Struve, Earning His Spot In UFC

The following are highlights of a pre-fight interview with UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione. Mitrione faces Stefan Struve on the main card at tonight’s UFC 175 pay-per-view.

On Stefan Struve’s reach: “I don’t think it will be at (any) disadvantage whatsoever. I’ve got arms almost as long as his. I’m aggressive and even though I haven’t shown it, I’ve got a ground game I can work with.”

On his victory over Shawn Jordan: “I would have a very surreal, almost lucid, dream-stateish feelings in the middle of a fight. It was like, ‘Holy s–t, I’m actually fighting right now. I should probably do something.’ In my last fight, I was just completely coherent. I felt great, I knew exactly what I was doing the whole time, and even though it was a bit of a slow start, I feel like I was in control of my capabilities at all times. Hopefully that will maintain.”

On earning his spot in the UFC: “This is going to be my eleventh fight in the UFC, so I need to start earning my keep. I’ve won the fights I should have won and I lost the ones that were questionable. It’s up to me now to get out there and perform. I think I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world and I want to perform to my expectations.”

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