Setanta.com previews and predicts the UFC 99 tussle between Cain Velasquez and Cheick Kongo.
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THE TALE OF THE TAPE
|
Cain Velasquez |
Cheick Kongo |
| Age |
26 |
34 |
| MMA record |
5-0-0 |
24-4-1 |
| Height |
6ft 1 |
6ft 4 |
| Weight |
240 |
240 |
| Last opponent |
Denis Stojnic (W) |
Antoni Hardonk (W) |
Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir watch closely, one of these two men is coming for your belt.
When Heath Herring withdrew from UFC 99, there is not an MMA fan out there who could not have rejoiced as Herring's loss was Cheick Kongo's gain.
Velasquez v Herring was intriguing. Velasquez v Kongo is blockbuster.
Based on their past three fights, you cannot split them, mainly because neither fighter has shared an Octagon with a fellow heavyweight contender. In fact, Velasquez has never faced anything like a title contender, while Kongo has had mixed results - beating Mirko Cro Cop but losing to Heath Herring.
Now both men are ready to provide the acid test to each other.
Velasquez is the outstanding wrestler who moved into MMA to quench his thirst for hitting people. His employment of the Salaverry technique to pound out Jake O'Brien made people sit up and take notice, and his heavy hands mean the AKA fighter is a danger wherever the fight goes.
Jon Fitch describes Velasquez's work ethic as 'unrivalled' (quite a compliment coming from Fitch), while heavyweights across The UFC are actively ducking the up-and-comer.
Full credit to Kongo for taking the fight on three weeks' notice, although this is a Cheick Kongo who smells his own destiny.
Mixing a powerful kickboxing game with brutal brutal ground and pound, you would struggle to name a more impressive specimen of a man in The UFC.
But at 34 years of age, this could be his last chance. Little over a year ago, Kongo knew victory over Herring (the irony) would land him a title shot. The Frenchman blew it.
He may not get a third chance.
Working with Rampage Jackson and Mike Bisping, Kongo's wrestling will be far from shoddy. Jackson used to identify himself with powerslams, while Bisping is one of the best in the business at forcing his way back to his feet.
Kongo has the reach advantage on Velasquez in the stand-up plus the greater variety, but does he have destiny on his side?
EXPERT'S VIEW: Kongo loves to clinch against the fence, secure the takedown, and pound his man into oblivion. Velasquez's wrestling base will be too well-versed to allow that scenario to occur, meaning he can capitalise on Kongo's leaden-footed stand-up.
PREDICTION: Velasquez - TKO