Rumors are swirling this morning that Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (22-5-2) and Cheick Kongo (10-3-1) are scheduled to throwdown in a heavyweight bout at UFC 75 in London, England, on September 8.
That's the word from GroundandPound.de, at least, which has alleged confirmation from Kongo.
Here's a rough snip from a Google translation:
"Cheick the Congo confirmed the rumors over a fight against the PRIDE Grand Prix world champion.... 'It is true,' read the short and clear answer whether [Kongo] will meet with [Mirko Filipovic at ] UFC 75 in England."
Unfortunately, no other source is corroborating this report at this time. Therefore, don't get too crazy ... like other rumors this could all turn out to be nothing.
However, a fight between the two former kickboxers would be a nice addition to a card that already features the UFC light heavyweight title fight between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Dan Henderson.
It would also keep with the European flavor of the UFC cards overseas: Croatia vs. France.
Cro Cop is coming off of a brutal loss to Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70: "Nations Collide" in April. In defeat, he injured his ankle, which apparently has healed quick for him to get back in the Octagon relatively soon.
Kongo is fresh of a lackluster unanimous decision win over Assuerio Silva, which happened on the same night as the Cro Cop loss. He looked like a monster on his feet, but had no idea whatsoever what to do when the fight went to the ground.
That really woudn't matter against an opponent like Cro Cop -- both he and Kongo are reluctant to do much else other than, well, strike.
We'll keep you updated on the status of this bout -- whether it is going to happen or not -- in the days and weeks ahead.
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