Cheick Kongo replaces Heath Herring against Cain Velasquez for UFC 99 on June 13
by Jesse Holland on May 20, 2009 10:43 AM EDT
142 comments
Surging UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo (14-4-1) has been tapped to replace Heath Herring against undefeated heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez at UFC 99, scheduled for June 13 from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.
The UFC made the announcement earlier this morning after Herring withdrew on May 19 due to a lengthy illness that prevented the mixed martial arts veteran from training for the bout.
The red hot Kongo comes into this contest after dismantling Antoni Hardonk at UFC 97: "Redemption" just over a month ago, stopping the Dutch kickboxer in the second round via technical knockout -- the first TKO loss in Hardonk's career.
It marked the fifth win in the last six fights for the Parisian. He dropped a split decision to Heath Herring back at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" 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 — has looked unbeatable ever since, and could put a boot on the Velasquez hype wagon.
The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) disciple most recently mugged Denis Stojnic at UFC Fight Night 17 for a round and a half en route to a second round technical knockout victory. It marked just the first time that a Velasquez opponent has made it out of the opening frame.
Velasquez revealed after the fight that he was disappointed with the dominating performance and vowed to come back better than an ever in his next appearance. That's going to be easier said than done against Kongo -- who like Velasquez, is looking to keep his place in line in the heavyweight division.
We could find out a lot about both men on June 13 -- this one could come down to who wants it more.
UFC 99 will be headlined by former middleweight champion Rich "Ace" Franklin taking on ex-PRIDE smashing machine Wanderlei Silva in a special 195-pound brawl. In addition, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic will return to settle some unfinished business in the Octagon as he tangles with Mustapha Al-Turk.
For more on UFC 99 click here.
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yes even better i like both this guys but have to go with brown pride on this one
by SLEEPER on May 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow are you racíst or what?
Anyway i think Kongo will win by Tko.
by Green Inferno on May 20, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI – Cain has a tatoo that says Brown Pride…it wasn’t a racist comment
by McArthur on May 20, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How would you react if a White fighter had a tattoo that says White Pride? Would you react the same?
/stirring the pot slowly…
Personally, I judge by the individual, not the race. Yet I wanted to make a point.
by Jay K. on May 20, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, everyone always brings that up, and its sad but true; the only thing I don’t get about it is the “pride” part. It’s not like it’s some accomplishment you work for to be hispanic, black, white etc.. it’s not like people earned that sh!t, it’s just a random chance happening. Proud to be born maybe? Iono, I just don’t get it. People might say their “proud” of their culture, or history, but wtf did they have to do with it?? It’s not like they were there personally fighting those battles, or inventing/creating these customs. Again, I just don’t see where the “I’m proud I was born with this skin color” thing even comes into play.
by O damn he got caught on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don’t make mountains out of mole hills
by McArthur on May 20, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a good test to see if Velasquez skills match up or exceed Kongo’s and to see if Kongo’s wrestling defense and Jits has improved. This is a good fight for both fighters at this time, the winner moves up to title contention shot along side Shane Carwin. Gonzaga has to find a way to get back in that mix.
by DAVE A on May 20, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good one Dave- improved jits/defensive wrestling from Kongo is as likely as randleman subbing someone from his back. you’ve seen how there is not technique to his underhooks or overhooks when he’s pushed into the cage. His back is so stiff that i can’t imagine any improvements. So far he’s just been able to power out of them but Cain has skills.
by NameNotRequired on May 20, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NNR, I know yr right but I keep hoping Kongo improves, but if Heath Herring took him I can imagine what Valazquez is going to do to him. Kongo must be a nightmare for his Jits n’ wrestling coaches (assuming he has em, he’s stated before on how much he hates to train on his ground game, knucklehead).
by DAVE A on May 21, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most stand up fighters, never feel comfortable on the ground, most Jitsu guys will learn to strike, and some wrestlers learn both Jitsu/Striking. Anyway I really feel Cain is going to demolish Kongo on the ground, there will be no defense, and Cain seems to be a smart fighter unlike Heath. I keep hoping Heath will change, oh well.
by BlackSunshine on Jun 12, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The dude has a huge tattoo across his chest that says brown pride.
by the king adrock on May 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MUCH better fight than what was being speculated yesterday. I love this matchup. I like Cain to win the fight via GnP or decision. HOWEVER, he will give Kongo the opportunity to knock him out for at least one minute each round. Cain does NOT want to be a boring fighter. Yes, he wants to win his fight, but he also wants to be exciting. That is why I hve been such a Cain fan.
Kongo has the mor well known name among the general public and of course fought better competition. However, I still see Kongo coming into this fight as a dog.
by ViolentMike on May 20, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny how Cro Cop said he wanted back in the UFC to fight top competition and yet Cain and Kongo are both fighting each other and Cro Cop is fighting a nobody…great fight though, I agree
by Robert(1) on May 20, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe CC wasn’t offered the fight jerkoff. I think Dana is using the Al Turk fight to see where Cro Cop’s head is at. If he beats Al Turk convincingly – which I see happening – he will prolly get a decent HW to fight like the loser of Randy and Nog. Nog vs. CC 2 will be awesome but it’ll most likely be Randy vs. Cro Cop after Nog submits Couture
by jayshogun on May 20, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahahaahhahahahhahahahahah, randy will crush the can that is Nogeuira
by JRE on May 20, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a sweet match-up. Cain is really going to be tested here. I am not betting on this fight, but I’ll go with Cain.
by Jeremyjackson on May 20, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shows what u know JRE – Randy WILL lose to Nog, of u think otherwise u’re deluded.
by jayshogun on May 20, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously what has nog shown in his last couple of fights that shows he can even compete anymore. he looks awful and couture will dominate him
by Clinton Jackson (formerly Jared) on May 20, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JRE called Nog a can??? Uh, can we ban this guy from the internet, or even thinking ever again?
I think Randy will win, but Nog is by NO MEANS a can. I will say though, he hasn’t impressed me with his last 2 outings. Sure, I’ll give him the staph in the Mir fight, but he was getting killed in the Sylvia fight, and Couture’s boxing is better than Sylvia’s as we already seen. If Nog can dirty-box while avioding any takedowns from Nog, then I can see Randy winning a 3rd round stoppage or decision. It will be one of Randy’s biggest fights though.
by Synyster on May 20, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he’s JRE-koff, be advised he’s sensitive if you disagree with him.
by DirtbagHtr on May 20, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ban him from thinking? it sounds like someone already has.
by JB on May 20, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JRE is a genious!I appreciate all of his masterful comments.This place,would be less,interesting if he’s banned from posting!AND DON"T be to harsh on him b/c he’s gonna tell you that your “acting all American”??
As for this fight a got Kongo…He didn’t have to take the fight and he did.So i think that he’ll be well prepare to face a wrestler.Let’s not forget that he said that he was ready for a title shot!That means that he,would have face up a top wrestler or a top jits guy.
Cain make an excellent match up b/c he’s,only got 5 fight and the,only thing that i’ve seen so far is his wrestling and GnP.Kongo,will be put on is back for sure…but i,expect him to be back on his feet quickly.If he can do this then he,will get the W b/c of his superior stricking!
Synyster i’m sending you an invite tonight.i didn’t had time to play the game yet,but i will later on…i think?
by Alpha Male 360 on May 20, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
guys take it easy on jre hes speaking the honest truth that noone wants to say. sure nog wasnt a can before but judging by his last few fights he has little left in the tank to compete anymore. i would consider him the #2 heavyweight of all time. but right now alot of not even top heavys would kick his ass. take carwin for instance if they fought nogueira would be out cold. not something youd expect from nog a few years ago but its almost guaranteed to happen. (btw big carwin fan thats why i used him as an example)
by Clinton Jackson (formerly Jared) on May 20, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah am sure he will win too but i have to root for my people i don’t think thats racist
by SLEEPER on May 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
let’s see hispanic latino’s maxican make sense
by SLEEPER on May 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s a maxican? Are they from maxico??
by Dragon on May 20, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol sorry mexican i wrote it in a hurry
by SLEEPER on May 20, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheering for one guy over another because of his race is racist. That being said, I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with it, particularly when the group you’re cheering for is under-represented. And I completely understand people being proud of their cultural heritage, and you shouldn’t have to apologize for that. To respond to what someone said up top, it would be different if someone had a “white pride” tattoo. It’s different when you’re vocally representing and supporting a socially dominant group. It is definitely a double standard, but I think it’s an understandable one.
by GregC on May 20, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
F-double standards. If he can have “Brown Pride” I can have “White Pride” tatooed on me. I dont, but I hate double standards. I’m going for the white fighters now, because they are “my people” lol
by Synyster on May 20, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
does it matter that kongo is actually “browner” than cain?
by JB on May 20, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
doesn’t matter JB ‘coz he’s black! Hehe!!
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on May 21, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a better match up- I think Kongo is more relevant to the title chase than Herring.
by BritishBulldog on May 20, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kongo is mr. irrelevant! His “striking” for a striker is less than impressive and for a guy with zero ground game, he clinches and goes for takedowns too much just to lay on his opponent! I know I’m not a Kongo fan, but this match just went south quick! I really wish Herring didn’t get hurt!
by kevin on May 20, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with you Kev all the way. This guy is good at striking though, unfortunately it’s striking below the belt!
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is the most prolific nut kneer in all of MMA.
by DSmith on May 20, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I was Cain I’d be making a big deal of this before the fight so if Congo does his usual array of groin shots, the ref will be all over him like white on rice. How he got away with so many shots against Cro Cop was unbelievable, no wonder CC was below par that night.
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DSmith- It’s either Kongo or Overeem! Just ask Cro Cop.
by LJ on May 20, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is definitely a better matchup but i really hope Kongo takes it! he can’t afford to lose this one..
you know that Velasquez will be going for that takedown all night long just hope Cheick can stop it and punish him!
by RoB on May 20, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey Rob, you get my apology yesterday! I like a lot of your posts, but as most of us do, sometimes you’re way over the top! No biggie, I jumped the gun before thinking it out yesterday!
by kevin on May 20, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldnt call him mr irrelavant….i think this makes for a very good match up….striker vs wrestler….it will prove if velasquez is for real, i think he is but i think Kongo will take it!
WAR BROWN PRIDE!!!!
by irishlilpete on May 20, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Kongo did great in his last striker vs wrestler match! Herring rode him like a bitch! Kongo’s a one trick pony, no ground game whatsoever and his striking aint all that either.
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good one attakdog, too bad that was over a year ago…
by Anthony on May 20, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh coz he’s improved so much in that time hasn’t he???? Wins over such legends as Ivensen, cage rage can Al-Turk and K1 reject Hardonk!!! Wow those guys’ll sure test your ground game out!
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Velasquez hasnt been crushing top guys either, albeit he has looked extremely impressive. i think this makes a great fight style-wise and pushes the winner closer to a shot at brock/frank. winner of this gets carwin and winner gets brock/frank. this ended up working out good for the ufc
by irishlilpete on May 20, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cain is overrated. He was going to get exposed by Herring. The only thing that changes now is that he will get exposed by Kongo (who is definitely a middle-tier HW). The sad thing is that if Kongo does win, it will be his 4th in a row, and he will most likely be in the mix for a future (sooner rather than later) title shot. What does that say about the quality of the UFC’s HW division?
by Cole on May 20, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First! and fecking hell what a fight!
by Catalyst11 on May 20, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice try, and nobody does “First” anymore its gay and outdated, get with the times………….
by Dragon on May 20, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha-ha!![ala Nelson Muntz from The Simpsons]
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on May 21, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya nice call BNF…Kongo vs a AKA wrestler…gotta go with Cain here unless Kongo can get top position which is highly unlikely imo
by McArthur on May 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice, way better fight IMO. Kongo is much more relevent as far the title picture is concerned and this fight just seems like it will be more entertaining. I am still going with Cain by TKO.
by BNF on May 20, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m happy with this replacement. This is a good step up in competition for Cain.
I think Cain will dominate this fight. The takedowns for Cain should come with ease. Then pour on the GnP. I know it’s being said that Kongo has improved takedown defense, but I’m not buying it. Cain’s wrestiling and GnP is too good.
TKO in the 2nd.
by RealDrew on May 20, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope your right id like to see Cain get the win, I love watching him fight, but Kongos strength is something Cain hasnt seen yet.
by merv on May 20, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cain is in trouble. Kongo is going to smash him. Bye, bye brown pride. From white pride. HA! HA! whatever.
by Adam T. on May 20, 2009 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t Herring defeat Kongo? Yed he did. People think Herring sucks because all they remember was the beating he took from Brock for 3 rounds. To have your eye smashed like his was 3 seconds into the fight and go 15 more minutes is amazing. This is an easier fight for Cain but not much.
Kongo still has that neon sign saying poor ground game.
by hatteras on May 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting; at least with the Herring fight I had a good dog to bet on, but now; I don’t think I could bet either way on this fight.
by O damn he got caught on May 20, 2009 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly I’d be surprised if the odds didn’t open with Kongo as the favorite, maybe not by much but 26-4 vs 5-0? I don’t see how Cain couldn’t be the under dog here.
by O damn he got caught on May 20, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please Cain destroy Cheick “give me the teetle” Kongo! This guy bores the pants off me and I hope gets nowwhere near a teetle shot, sorry title shot.
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it’s “tittle shot”; get your french right.
by JB on May 20, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely pronounced “teetle” owd lad.
by attakdog on May 21, 2009 4:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no way in hell is kongo gonna win. cain is going to destroy him no problem
by denniskuderjr on May 20, 2009 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!!!!!!!!! cant wait see this now!!! and ill be there watching kongo smash cain!
WAR KONGO!!!!!!
by irishlilpete on May 20, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is going to be a great fight. Both are big, strong and fast. Assuming their conditioning is in tact, this could be one of those fights that looks like a super sized lightweight match up, translated: fun as hell to watch.
by DoctorSamson on May 20, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Cain have won an easy UD over Heath but now Im not so sure how easy it will be for him. Kongo is a beast of a man and will be hard for anyone to handle!!! WAR CAIN!!!!
by the spyder on May 20, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m going with Kongo, his takedown defense seems to have improved and I see this being a standing battle with Kongo victorious.
by rydinlow on May 20, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope he gets kocked out!! Im hoping velenquiz wins by KO
by What? on May 20, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who the hell is Velenquiz? Liquid lunch buddy?
by Big Daddio on May 20, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow! The difficluty meter for Cia nwnet up and im glad. I believe Cian wil lbe the Champ in late 2010, and this is his first step in that direction. Im glad they gave him a challeng in Kongo and is a much better fight than the Herring fight.
I beleive Cain and Kongo are about leverl at striking, yeah i siad it. Ground, forget about it, Cain will controll lhim if it goes to the ground and win via GNP or maybe even a submission. This is going to be one hell of a fight! Damn, UFC 99 is looking jsut as good as UFC 100.
Wanderlie vs Franklin
Crocop vs Turk
Cain vs Kongo
Uno vs Fisher
Davis vs Hardy
trumps
Lesnar vs mir
GSp vs ALves
Hendo vs Bisping
Fitch vs Paulo
Akiyam vs Belcher
Man UFC is sure stepping thier game up with the cards, im sure no one can complain at least for the next 4 events after UFC 98. 99, 100, 101, and 102 are going to be insane!
by Adam on May 20, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree its shaping up to be an exciting card but wouldnt go as far as saying Cro cop al turk trumps GSP Alves. I have a feeling that Lesnar Mir will be a short fight and anticlimax and Wand Franklin could be a brutal war for the history books. The other four fights are pretty even but i think youre missing out on the Swick Saunders fight which im really looking forward to seeing. And hope Marcus Davis knocks the mohawk off Hardys head
by PanicZoo on May 20, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Velasquez FTW! I’ve been waiting for Kongo to face some real competition for a while now. Let the beat down begin!!
by BigRedOne on May 20, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a SWEEEEET turn of events. Way more pumped for this than Herring. Cant wait!
by RyGuy on May 20, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that Kongo got a better chance at winning than Herring did. I am GLAD for the change!!!! I wouldnt be surprised if Kongo won this!!!
Although, I really want to see Cain get tested. From wehat you hear from his peers….Cain is a bad mofo, that NEVER quits and never gets KO’d.
That is saying a lot, coming from other fighters. With the size of egos and pride within many fighters…It means A LOT for them to give Cain his props!!!
by fightfan on May 20, 2009 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is definetly bad ass. I’m not sure why all the cain freaks think he can walk thru Kongo. You guys do realize this is a exponential step up in competition? Cain wont win the standup. Kong will force him to go for the clinch and take downs. Cain might be able to keep CK down, he might not. If Kongo gets on top then he’ll show y’again that ground and pound IS part of the ground game.
by naturalist on May 20, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I couldn’t agree more naturalist. Kongo takes this.
by Adam T. on May 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Kongo BUT he only takes this IF he can stop the TakeDown!
ALSO,
The June 6th StrikeForce card is looking absolutely GREAT!
Robbie Lawler/Jake Shields
Nick Diaz/Scott Smith
Kevin Randleman/Mike Whitehead
Phil Baroni/Joe Riggs
Andrei Arlovski/Brett Rogers
and “Feijo” (sp) is set to fight!
by SoCalStunNa on May 20, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ah, isnt Feijo spanish for “ugly” or some kind of fruit or something?
by PanicZoo on May 20, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Herring beat Kongo this time last year. What is this “exponential step up” mumbo jumbo?
by Gen on May 20, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think kongo takes this fight but doesn’t beat lesnar or who ever he meets next on the todem pole. setting him up for a rematch with cro cop later in the year.
at least im sure thats what the big wigs at the UFC are banking on.
by chris on May 20, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hmm I really don’t see how any of you can honestly believe that Cain can/will beat Kongo. How’s he going to take that beast down? How will he deal with Kongo’s striking and reach advantage? How will he deal with Kongo’s sheer power? Velazquez by GnP?! Not even Brock Lesnar could beat Kongo by GnP because not even Lesnar could hold him down!
Kongo by whatever he wants.
by Anthony on May 20, 2009 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Heath “backflip” Herring CAN take Kongo down then Brock and Cain DEFINATELEY can.
i hope Kongo has been working on his TD defense with Rampage!
by SoCalStunNa on May 20, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like everyones a little confused about the Herring vs Kongo fight; Herring didn’t take Kongo down, he didn’t even practice wrestling during his training camp for that fight. Kongo got clipped in the first couple seconds of the first round, he then proceeds from there on to take Heath down, only to be reversed and out wrestled after getting the TD’s.
by O damn he got caught on May 20, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lesnar couldn’t hold him down lol, as if!!!! If Herring can hold him down then NCAA wrestler Brock Lesnar will have no trouble doing it. Not to mention he weighs 20 stone and is strong as a horse! Anthony you seriously overrate Kongo!
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lesnar couldn’t hold him down lol, as if!!!! If Herring can hold him down then NCAA wrestler Brock Lesnar will have no trouble doing it. Not to mention he weighs 20 stone and is strong as a horse! Anthony you seriously overrate Kongo!
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lesnar couldn’t hold him down lol, as if!!!! If Herring can hold him down then NCAA wrestler Brock Lesnar will have no trouble doing it. Not to mention he weighs 20 stone and is strong as a horse! Anthony you seriously overrate Kongo!
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL Anthony! Lesnar could hold down anyone (probably even Fedor). Difference between Fedor, Mir, and Kongo is that the first 2 would be a threat to Lesnar when he is on top of them. Kongo would just got GnP’d.
by LJ on May 20, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He sure the hell couldn’t hold Couture down.
by O damn he got caught on May 20, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couture is an olympic standard wrestler. Kongo is an olympic standard turd. There’s the differnce.
by attakdog on May 21, 2009 4:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ADAm u actually think kongo and cain are on the same level of striking? U are crazy this fight is simple to me kongo has a huge reach advantage and is stronger. So he is going to have a stiff jab and a leg kick to weaking cain takedown speed. If cain can take it down he might get a decision Kongo is good at holding people in place on the ground untill it get stood up. But kongo has the advantage in this fight because it starts standing up and cain cant bang with kongo all there is to it.
by desperus on May 20, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
When was the last time Kongo KO’d anyone standing up? His standup is very overrated and borderline cumbersome. As for his ground game, it’s non existant as is his takedown defence. Herring totally owned him on the ground and I expect Cain to have no problems taking him down and doing exactly the same.
by attakdog on May 20, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heath Herring would’ve won and Cheick Kongo is going to win.
by JonnyBoy on May 20, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kongo will be on his back all night long. If Asseusrio Silva can take Kongo down at will, then certainly Cain can.
by xxBAxx816 on May 20, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im sure That wont happen. Kongo still has the belt in his sight and im sure he will make sure that doesnt happen again.
Kongo, Tko 3rd round. (imo, Kongo always been a slow starter, Herring knew that thats why he went straight for the kill and rocked him a bit)
by MMA040 on May 20, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What you are talking about"a close boring fight"??
Stop the juice it’s clearly,affect your jugement!
by Alpha Male 360 on May 21, 2009 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jardine beat Chuck, Chuck beat Wandi and Wandi beat Jardine, whats your point?
by Ade on May 20, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great replacement, I was expecting Kongo to replace Herring as he was the only legitimate fighter available on short notice. I can’t stand Kongo, the guy is grossly overrated, his last 3 wins are over cans like Evenson, Al-Turk and Hardonk. Until he beats a top 10 guy and displays some sort of a ground game then he has no right to demand title shots. I’ll never be a fan of a one dimensional fighter who demands title shots after beating a can following a defeat to a mid-level guy and does the same stupid gesture every 3 seconds.
I’m looking forward to a dominant performance from Cain, he is the better striker, wrestler and grappler and can beat Kongo anyway he wants. This will be the win that moves him to the next level just like the Gonzaga win was for Carwin.
by David W-S on May 20, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed,Kongo’s only real shot is catching Cain with his signature knee to the nuts
by scott on May 20, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me the only thing that is impressive about Kongo is his GnP,other than that his standup is ok ,me personally thinks it is overrated.No takedown defense.To me he is the HW version of Houston,once it goes to the ground it is over
by scott on May 20, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kongo definately has more gas in his tank than Houston, and at least he shows some sort of improvement each time he fights.
by Ade on May 22, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you UFC!! This is a MUCH more interesting matchup as I saw Velasquez beating the veteran Herring but now he gets a real test. This will give us all an idea of just how good he is. Kongo is formidable and just might beat Cain. Looking forward to this one.
by sudnvictory on May 20, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why,this is a matchup nightmare for Kongo,he has no takedown defense ,he can not do anything from his back,and he is facing an outstanding wrestler.Remember Herring beat Kongo.I personally thought Herring would be a tougher fight for Cain.I do not see Kongo getting out of the 1st,if he does,he will be a bloody mess,and it will not make it out of the 2nd
by scott on May 20, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his takedown defense is better than you give him credit for. Granted he can’t do anything off his back but he’ll smother most punches. I’m sure he’ll try hard to not get in that position. He’s a better fighter now than when he fought Herring. We’ll see on June 13th!! Come back to this comment after the fight and be prepared to eat crow…
by sudnvictory on May 26, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, was I totally wrong about his takedown defense. It was horrible and he got mauled because of it. Velasquez is obviously a really good wrestler and definitely dictated the match. Chin is still a question because he did get rocked by Kongo but had the wherewithall to take him down and recover. He also doesn’t seem to have great power for a heavyweight but makes up for that with tenacity. It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches him up with. Meanwhile, Kongo needs to go to takedown defense school. He moves way too slow and just accepts positional changes without much of a fight. I think this fight sets him back a bit now.
by sudnvictory on Jun 14, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
david ws your post honestly get dumber and dumber. How can cain who has been training stand up for a year and a half with 5 mma fights be better at standup then a guy who has been doing it all of his life. Just like cain is developing skills in standup and jitsu kongo is developing skills on the ground it takes time. Yea kongo knees do hit people in the nuts but he is aiming for the stomach. Kongo may have not beat a top 10 fighter but he beat cro cop bad that was painful to watch and hardonk who is a pretty good kickboxer standing up.This is a true test for both of these guy whoever wins which i think this fight is 50 50 moves close to the top 5.
by desperus on May 20, 2009 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
to answer your question ,some people are born great strikers,talking about punches,Cain has showed that he is a good striker,Kongo is suppose to be a great striker ,but who has he KO ,he has one KO in the UFC ,not to good for a striker ,he has alot of stoppages due to GnP.He has no,I repeat no takedown defense,and that is not good for Kongo who is about to face an all american wrestler,he will be on his back the entire night ,which as we have seen before ,means he is screwed.
Now,to the knees to the growing,he does it in every fight,also he did it a couple of fights ago,only after he got accidently kneed.I do not understand how he does not get penelized,it would be one thing if was only in one fight ,but it is every fight
by scott on May 20, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with everything you say scott. Kongo’s striking for a striker is nothing special at all considering he’s been in there with cans, and his biggest weapon is the knee to the ball sack. How he gets away with that is criminal! Takedown defence is horrible and on his back he makes Kevin Randleman look like Big Nog. Hope he gets destroyed!
by attakdog on May 21, 2009 4:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHA – I love when people have to bring in the racism card. F**KING GET OVER IT, nothing is meant by the comments and if someone is dumb enough to even entertain a racial slure, let them … they realise they are the scum of the earth. Stop letting words get to you.
Anyway, back to the fight … I actually think Kongo will take Cain apart. If he doesn’t, I will be impressed with Cain and look forward to his fight with Carwin or Brock.
by DownUnder on May 20, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OMFG this is going to be fuckin awesome
by JimmyHoffa on May 20, 2009 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
one shot to the groin and kongo gets the tko in the 2nd rd. … bring on frank mir/brock
by wm133 on May 20, 2009 4:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope that Kongo comes ready with a good plan because this is short notice. It’s just over 3 weeks.
by Shadyone33 on May 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
scott are u saying cain is a good striker because he did ok with dennis stojnic? I havent seen good striking from cain yet. I seen good wrestling, striking is still a big question mark with cain. Why would you judge kongostriking by how many ko they have. I see alot of tko that started by him hurting them standing up then finishing them on the ground. Cain has had three fights in the ufc two were a takedown mount and fights over. The third he banged for a little bit then took him down and finished him. If u can call a guy a natural born striker from that then i guess he is. Kongo did stuff a few take downs from al turk so he is evolving. This is going to be a good fight that all i know. Scott watch cain three fights and tell me again if u think he a natural born striker.
by desperus on May 20, 2009 7:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just defending David,he is a wrestler ,who has heavy hands .Do not compare Al Turk’s takedowns to Cain ,they are not even in the same league,when it comes to wrestling ability.Somebody with no ground game can still stuff some peoples attempts,but he is not going to stop a real decorated wrestler,so mark my words Cain will have Kongo on his back in less than 1:30 into the fight,and Cain will GnP him out,if it makes it to the 2nd the same thing will happen.Kongo would be a real threat if he learned some BJJ or how to sprawl,he is a striker that is his forte,everybody knows it.
Why you think they put him with Hardonk,another kick boxer with no ground game.They know Kongo can not handle someone on the ground.The reason they are putting him in there with Cain ,is he keeps claiming he is ready for a title shot,well for him to get a shot at the champ ,he is going to have prove he can beat a wrestler,seeing as the champ is either way it goes ,is going to put Kongo on his back.
by scott on May 20, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you listen to him he wants a “teetle” shot. I almost wet myself laughing after he demanded one after beating that bum Ivensen.
by attakdog on May 21, 2009 4:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
French from France got,funny accent!So it’s,normal that he’s having,one speaking english!Just,like Britons got a funny accent,compared to north American english!Now imagine you talking in french.I’m certain that you’ll sound way off too!(Not sure,but i think that you are a Briton… If not sorry,but you’ll probably know what i means…!)
BTW,i like when your on the offensive…so go ahead!
by Alpha Male 360 on May 21, 2009 4:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am British and we speak normal, it’s you Americans who sound funny!! I didn’t find his accent that funny, I was wetting myself laughing at him demanding a teetle shot after TKOing some Norweigan can who isn’t ranked in the top 100 after coming off a loss himself! I found that hilarious.
by attakdog on May 21, 2009 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Finally the HW div is getting deep. Would love to see TUF season-HW! All the other div’s are deep, and the HW div is starting the get there, with Carwin, Kongo, Cain, Nog, Randy, Cro Cop, and soon Overeem, should starting seeing some main event HW matches… Fedor is still a dream sign up for the UFC, Dana’s ego and apparently Fedor’s contract demands.
by DirtbagHtr on May 20, 2009 8:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cant wait to see Overeem in the UFC, it will be interesting to see how well he does. Like his style but he has a mixed record. Season 10 Tuf casting call was a couple of weeks ago – April 6th – and icluded HW LHW and MW so we might be in luck. Could we see Brock coaching?
by PanicZoo on May 20, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And dont forget Junior Dos Santos is on the rise – he is young quick and powerful 8-1 in mma undefeated 18-0 in kickboxing and has a BJJ purple belt under Nog, trains standup with Silva and Machida. Would be a great first match up for Overeem when he arrives or next for Cro Cop after Turk.
by PanicZoo on May 20, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Dos Santos cost me $400 bc I bet on Werdum, -1100 favorite, screwed up all me picks, I got Anderson over Cote and Sherk over Tyson Griffin, and Alves over Kos.
by DirtbagHtr on May 21, 2009 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes!!! This is a better fight, then the first one scheduled.
by JasonJ on May 21, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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