Cheick Kongo vs Antoni Hardonk UFC 97 fight on tap for Montreal

by MMAmania.com on Feb 6, 2009 9:57 AM EST

Surging heavyweights Cheick Kongo (13-4-1) and Antoni Hardonk (8–4) -- who are each enjoying current win streaks inside the Octagon -- are set to collide at UFC 97: "Redemption" at The Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on April 18.

Kongo recently dismantled Mustapha al Turk at UFC 92: "The Ultimate 2008" in December 2008, unleashing a vicious onslaught of elbows and punches on the Cage Rage veteran that resulted in a first round technical knockout stoppage.

It marked the fourth win in the last five fights for the Parisian. He dropped a split decision to Heath Herring at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" back in March 2008, which temporarily derailed his chances of competing for a division title.

Kongo -- who now trains at Wolfslair Academy in England alongside Michael Bisping, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and others -- will look to get right back in the mix with a win over the Dutch kickboxer.

Hardonk is the winner of three straight, taking our Mike Wessel via second round technical knockout at UFC 92. Prior to the win, he notched impressive back-to-back victories over Eddie Sanchez and Colin Robinson.

He has not lost a bout since late 2007 -- a submission courtesy of interim heavyweight champion Frank Mir.

UFC 97 main event features middleweight champion Anderson Silva, putting his 185-pound title on the line against number one division contender, Thales Leites. In the co-main event, Mauricio Rua -- fresh off his less-than-thrilling victory over Mark "The Hammer" Coleman at UFC 93 -- will challenge former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

To check out the latest UFC 97 fight card news and rumors click here.

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Comments

Let me pat myself on the back once again! You can pat me on the back too Mexicutioner!

In JOn JONES NEWS:

I just read an interview with Jones, and he said his next opponent could end up being Brandon Vera, if all goes well in Vera’s fight against a NOBODY!!!!!

by john on Feb 6, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions

that would be quite a tilt but I gotta go with Jones…If Vera keeps outside him he might get the TKO but in the clinch (from what little I’ve seen of Jones) Vera will get tossed

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

Keep in mind that Vera has a Greco Roman background as well!

McArthur. THere is an amazing Street fighter video highlight of GSP on BLoodyelbow but Mania wont let me post it! Check it out, its a must see!

by john on Feb 6, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

will do ;)

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

John-

From what I’ve seen of Vera’s Greco I haven’t been impressed at all. THen to compare it to what I’ve seen of Bones? THe difference is night and day. If he can avoid getting caught with a knee, Bones will take this.

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

haha…cool GSP/Mayhem vid John, that fight takes me back to the early days of GSP…I forgot how long he had Jason’s arm wrapped up like that and how surprised I was when Mayhem escaped…ahhhhh, the good ole days

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

UFC 97 is stacked!!

by ---Caesar--- on Feb 6, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions

I knew you would like that McArthur.

Machine: I too have not been impressed with what I have seen from Vera’s Greco….They say that Vera is very good at Greco, but I havent seen it eithere, but I am sure that some skills are there. LIke you said the difference between the 2 is night and day

by john on Feb 6, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

yea and the physical difference between the two is like night and day too..

by RoB on Feb 6, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

and thier complexion

by ViolentMike on Feb 6, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

“and thier complexion” LOL

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

Back to Vera again:

Now that I think about, I’m not impressed with how he applies his Muay Thai in the cage either. Sure he’s got powerful knees and leg kicks but his overall technique is sloppy, he doesn’t create many angles for himself and on top of all that, he’s gun shy. Anyway, I’ll wait till this fight gets it’s own official thread and I’ll continue to bash him then.

Chin Check Cheick!!!

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Kong via Kimura, bet on it

by Crowls on Feb 6, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

This is a great looking fight, but I think Kongo will GNP Hardonk, early Rnd 1 TKO.

by Ro-J on Feb 6, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Hardonk upset special. Cheick can’t handle the leg kicks or getting hit in the face hard. Nut shots could make the difference though.

by NameNotRequired on Feb 6, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

My buddy and I were talking after 94 and I said that Vera would be a great next fight for Jones. Vera has looked like crap lately, but I think that would be an awesome fight. Thx for the news john!

by LJ on Feb 6, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

Whoever channels Abraham Lincoln (the original Greco-Roman badass) will win. Apparently he was in a match, when he found out he was elected president. How come I didn’t learn this in grade school?

by Victory is Ours on Feb 6, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

He also didn’t have the deep bass voice that all the actors who play him in movies use. If he had to go on TV and debate with the voice that he had he would never have been elected.

by PW on Feb 6, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Unless Lincloln was the Anderson Silva of Greco (high voice with great technique) I would then vote out of fear of an eminent beatdown.

by Victory is Ours on Feb 6, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions

heres kongo vs gilbert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jde7JD9AVLQ

by roy on Feb 6, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions

Jones is gonna be a top dog at 205 in the future. I’d like to see him put a beating on Vera and send him packin’! Hey John, what was up with that cheesedick who was trying to be a keyboard warrior with you the other day? He had a lot of us laughing at him with the whole “you wanna go down” comment. What a tool. I gave him my two cents, and I wasn’t the only one. I can’t stand that crap.

by allamerican on Feb 6, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

And john, we all do appreciate the breaking news you give us. F#%k that loser who was talkin sh@t!

by allamerican on Feb 6, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you guys! I try to avoid those stupid internet battles, but some guys are just KLOWNS!!! I really dont see the point in coming on this site and trying to pick cyber fights with people.

I will battle someone in an intelligent debate format, but I am not the type to call out people and act like I am tough to someone who I will never even see.

Thanks for the support my mma peeps!

by john on Feb 7, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

I’ll call the upset – Hardonk by KO early on

by Eoin on Feb 6, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions

I hate to spoil it for ya but Hardonk doesnt have the speed or agility to Kongo any real problems. Kongo by 2nd round TKO for sure.

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

I like Kongo in this one. I was not a fan of his early on but he has improved. I’ll go with a TKO Rd 2.

by DJ on Feb 6, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

Not going to happen. Why is Kongo even fighting this guy? What a waste of a fight.

by LJ on Feb 6, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Waste of a fight? These two will go in the cage and bang til one of them can’t anymore. How’s that a waste? Am I wrong here?

by allamerican on Feb 6, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

no youre way right american, this is a sick fight, they might as well make it K1 rules cuz this is gonna be an awesome kick boxing match!

by brendan on Feb 6, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

I know what you’re saying allamerican, and you have a point. But what does Kongo have to gain here? It is kind of a slap in his face to put him in the ring w/ Hardonik. You’re right though, it will be exciting, cuz Hardonik will stand there and bang w/ Kongo.

by LJ on Feb 6, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I agree that Kongo deserves a better opponent as well. All he’ll have to do is avoid those kicks of Hardonk and it should be a win for Kongo. As for Kongo getting a title shot….I persoally think Lesnar would put a beating on him just like he did to Heath Herring. And I can’t stand Lesnar! But that doesn’t mean I don’t wanna see that fight happen. Can you tell that I think Brocks gonna beat Mir???

by allamerican on Feb 6, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

Then again, how many HW’s are 3 and 0 in their last three fights? Though i do believe Kongo needs a larger step up in quality opponents. But he better not overlook Hardonk. Either man could knock out the other standing up.

by big D on Feb 6, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

This won’t go to the judges… Cheick Kongo by TKO/KO.

by JonnyBoy on Feb 6, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions

Love this match up, nice work Mr. Silva!

by Haze on Feb 6, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions

I love it too, though I wish that Antoni Hardonk was going to face Patrick Barry.

by JonnyBoy on Feb 6, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

I thought Kongo vs Hardonk or Berry vs Hardonk would be good also after I watched UFC 92 , great match up.

by dayzah on Feb 6, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

dayzah-

I’ve got my eye on that Berry kid. I was impressed with his 1st fight in the UFC. If he’s got atleast a good defensive ground game he could make some serious waves in the division.

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

This is going to be one hell of a Kickboxing match!! I give Kongo the edge because he does have a vastly improved ground game so do not be surprised if he takes Hardonk down.

by getrawbc on Feb 6, 2009 10:12 AM EST reply actions

are you joking?

by newkoba on Feb 6, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

getrawbc -

I agree with you about Kongo’s improved ground game. He’s still got a ways to go but he’s greatly improved since his 1st 2 UFC fights.

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

I’m rooting for Kongo cause then he’ll be next in line to fight Brock. It would be like two Goliaths fighting eachother. Godzilla vs King Kong Kongo.

by MikeD on Feb 6, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

And if King Kongo gets a shot at the Pasty-Faced Gorilla it’ll be the 1st time we get to see Brock’s jaw get tested. Chin Check Cheick FTW!

by Machine on Feb 6, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

This card is looking great

by Andy on Feb 6, 2009 10:16 AM EST reply actions

Im with ya on that one jonnyboy. Barry/Hardonk 2 guys with massive leg kicks would be fun to watch. Im gonna pick Kongo because I believe he has a better ground game. I just think Kongo is not gonna want to stand there taking Hardonk kicks all night and will look to take the fight to the ground.

by rydinlow on Feb 6, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions

get this fight on the main card!!

by RoB on Feb 6, 2009 10:25 AM EST reply actions

This will be like a K1 kick boxing match.

by DirtyML on Feb 6, 2009 10:48 AM EST reply actions

i thought kongo deserved a better oponent…

by El_Santo on Feb 6, 2009 10:49 AM EST reply actions

me too

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

And why is that? Caus he beat a nobody in his last fight? Please..

by Lester the Pimp on Feb 6, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions

no because he continues to fight guys he should beat…lets see Kongo at his best against someone he should in all likelyhood lose to

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

You say that Kongo doesn’t deserve a better opponent beacause he beat a nobody, but if is not given a better opponent, you will continue to say he is fighting nobodys’. The guy can’t win with you. And for a guy who completely dominated Cro Cop and was supposed to fight Lesner before Randy decided to, he should be given better opponents, to give him a chance of getting a title shot. And I really want to see him test Lesners chin. Yeah I know there are thousands who think that Kongo would have no chance, but I am not one of them, and it will take more that a two fight win streak to convince me that Lesner is some sort of MMA god. His size and strength may have helped him against Randy, but it will not be sa big an adavantage against Kongo. We know that Lesner has the ground game, but Kongo definately has the stand up, and as we have seen the majority of the big fights seem to be won by the guys with the best striking skills because that is what usually ends the fight or sets up the finish. His takedown defence in his last fight was vastly improved, so I do not think that the fight will be as one sided as the Lesner worshipers would like to think.

by Ade on Feb 7, 2009 7:10 AM EST up reply actions

I’d like to see the winner of this match fight the winner of Gonzaga/Carwin for next Title Shot after Brock/Mir.

by Andrew on Feb 6, 2009 11:15 AM EST reply actions

The real question is how many illegal knees will Kongo use during this fight??

by stevo on Feb 6, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions

I hope Hardonk kicks Kongos balls so hard that go up through his stomach and out through his mouth.

by Lester the Pimp on Feb 6, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions

I hope Chuck gets KOed

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 11:29 AM EST reply actions

yep, wouldn’t that be sweet! Shogun is gonna deliver, and the only way Chuck can win is by decision and it ain’t gonna happen..

by RoB on Feb 6, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t go as far to say Shogun is “gonna deliver”, heard that story already.

by MikeD on Feb 6, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

Shogun was crap against Forrest and was even worse aginst Coleman, what makes you think things will be any different this time. I am not much of a Chuck fan, but from what I have seen of Shogun, Chuck is going to knock him out. It will not make it to the end of the second round. I have my favourite fighters, but if their last fights were as bad as Shoguns, I really would stop making excuses for them and acknowledge the fact that if it looks like even Jeremy Horn or Elvis Sinosic could beat them, then they really are past their sell by date.

by Ade on Feb 7, 2009 7:17 AM EST up reply actions

montreal fight fans are getting a treat!! what a card!!

by newfie-mma-fan on Feb 6, 2009 11:40 AM EST reply actions

SICK fight. I have wanted to see this very match up for a long time now.

by Amos on Feb 6, 2009 12:16 PM EST reply actions

Kongo definitely deserves a better opponent. He deserved a better opponent than Turk as well. The only thing I can think of is maybe he wants to stay active until the right fight lines up. In my opinion, take it for what its worth, he should be getting the next shot after Mir vs. Lesnar.

by RyGuy on Feb 6, 2009 12:19 PM EST reply actions

kongo, overrated

by jim jeffries on Feb 6, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions

interesting fight. but kongo should be fighting at a higher level of competition. maybe the ufc is trying to pad him with some wins while he develops a ground game. he is really marketable on the surface.

by COR on Feb 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions

No way in hell Kongo deserves a shot at a title. Who has he beaten that has any real talent?

by The Buffalo on Feb 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions

mirko

by McArthur on Feb 6, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

There’s no way a win over Hardonk should get Kongo a shot at the strap.

Let’s face it, unless your name’s Lesnar you might actually have to beat a top-five guy to earn yourself a title fight.

If Kongo takes this he should fight the Carwin/Gonzaga winner. Whoever has their hand raised at the end of THAT bout should get a crack at Douche-zilla.

by Jeremyjackson on Feb 6, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

Yea but Kongo couldnt even finish cro cop, it was UD but he needs to finish to some people. The HW division is really lackluster in comparison to all the other weight classes, and I think everyone here can agree, no one likes watching 2 heavyweights lean on each other for 15 minuters ala Mir/Christinsen

by Kibs on Feb 6, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Kongo is improving everytime he fights, he has the tools to be a great fighter this will be a fight he must win to improve his status in the HW and if he does he should fight like Jermyjackson say’s the winner of Carwin and Gonzaga most likely Gonzaga?

by Beaver on Feb 8, 2009 3:30 AM EST up reply actions

my man kongo by ko early round2, just when he decides to step it up!!

Kongo is a beast and I know theres a few mixed opinions on him, but i think he gets a title shot within the year!!

by mo on Feb 7, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Kongo is someone who could drop Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is a beast, but there are guys like him with tremendous power who have a puncher’s chance to set him on his ass. Kongo is one of those.

by Derek Marquis on Feb 7, 2009 1:49 AM EST reply actions