Cheick Kongo vs. Cain Velasquez

This is a case where the replacement opponent is more interesting than the original one. No offense to Heath Herring, but his image took a big hit when he got sent flying around the octagon by the first punch from Brock Lesnar. Now we have a match-up where both fighters are coming in with a win-streak.

Cain Velasquez has been touted as a hot prospect ever since he entered the UFC. After his last fight, it was obvious he needed a step up in competition. That’s exactly what he’s going to get because Cheick Kongo has improved a lot over the course of his UFC career.

Both fighters are explosive. Kongo’s strength is his striking, which is both technical and brutal. However he’s now learned how to take guys down and pound them out. Velasquez is well-known for his takedowns. However he’s also developed a varied and impressive stand-up game as well.

Kongo would do well to keep the fight standing. It won’t be easy by any means, but he needs to do everything possible to not let Cain get in close. If Kongo were to attempt a clinch battle like he has in the past, it would likely be neutralized by Velasquez’s wrestling skill. Again, Kongo needs to use his technical boxing to maintain the distance between him and his opponent.

I’m very curious to see how this fight will play out. Both are dangerous standing and in the top position. The first man to wind up on his back will probably lose the fight. Velasquez’s superior control in-close might be enough to trump Kongo’s experience. Either way, there’s no safe bet here.

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