This is not a knock on stipe in any ways, but honestly, his rise is similar to Weidman's.
Comparing to the many opponents he has fought, he is relatively young in terms of fight age, has less wear and tear, less fights, started fighting only in 2010. He is simply fresher, therefore, a more durable fighter. Especially when compared with fighters that are aging and already in their decline with weaker chins, a war torn body, and YIPS like effect when they fight - too much hesitation and simply couldn't pull the trigger any longer.
He is a good fighter, a B+ in all areas, but not exactly extremely good at any. But in a way I do believe he is similar to Weidman's rise to power... being well rounded, fresh, durable, and most importantly, being at the right place at the right time.
Same can be said about the other B+ in all areas fighters who burst onto the scene... Mitrione, Brandon Schuab, Weidman, etc etc..
Fedor and all his opponents started mma at pretty much the same time, fought each other in their prime.
1. Big Nog (Dec)
2. Cro Cop (Dec)
3. Andrei Arlovski (KO)
4. Tim Sylvia (KO)
5. Mark Coleman (Sub)
Stipe started in 2010 with a total of 19 mma fights
1. Werdum (KO) started in 2002 with 28 mma fights (kind of lost that by being too cocky imo)
2. JDS (KO) started in 2006 with 23 mma fights BUT has taken considerable damage.
3. Overeem (KO) started in 1999 with 58 mma fights, 14 kickboxing fights.
4. Andrei Arlovski (KO) started in 1999 40 mma fights and has taken a lot of damage over the years.
5. Mark Hunt (KO) started in 1999 with 25 mma fights, 2 boxing fights, and 43 kickboxing fights with a style that takes a lot of damage.
Would be nice if new fans are able to think more analytically and consider more factors involved instead of only the surface evidence they see.