Stefan Struve Blacks Out Backstage At UFC 175, Deemed Unfit To Compete

According to a medical doctor onsite at UFC 175, Stefan Struve had an elevated heart rate and passed out backstage. The heavyweight is expected to be fine, but as a precaution his fight with Matt Mitrione was scratched from today's card.

The UFC released the following statement:

"Stefan Struve suffered a non-life-threatening, near-fainting spell backstage. Afterwards, the medical team did not feel he was fit to compete. With his health and safety in mind, he's been removed from the card and is currently under the care of the medical staff. We will provide further updates as they become available."

Struve, 26-years-old, was informed in August 2013 that he had a leaking heart. After uncertainty about Struve's future, some new medicine started working and the Dutchman was allowed to return to fighting.

Mitrione spoke to Struve about the recent health scare.

"I found out what happened and went to talk to Stefan," said Mitrione. "He was still in his chair and was very apologetic. He's such a competitor. Obviously health and safety come first."

The heavyweights were supposed to compete on the main card. Stayed tuned for updates on Struve's condition.