UFC 144 Preview: The Main Card

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Heavyweights
Cheick Kongo (17-6-2, 10-4-1 UFC) vs. Mark Hunt (7-7, 2-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Matchmaking with entertainment value in mind is the story here, as Kongo and Hunt are capable of waging a memorable slugfest under the right circumstances. Kongo did not hesitate to stand and bang with kickboxing specialist Pat Barry at UFC Live 4, and the result was one of the best walking dead imitations in recent memory.

Hunt is a former K-1 and Pride Fighting Championships standout known for his striking and iron chin. His overall ability as a mixed martial artist has been largely one-dimensional, however, as six of his seven career defeats have come via submission. The New Zealander showed some improvement in that area against Ben Rothwell, scoring a few surprise takedowns while defending submissions in their UFC 135 encounter. Hunt seemed to fade in the thin air of Denver -- though not as badly as his opponent -- and will have to show improved conditioning against Kongo. The Frenchman possesses an eight-inch reach advantage on Hunt and has punching power aplenty.

Despite his kickboxing background, Kongo has learned to proceed with caution as his career has progressed. The Wolfslair Academy representative was more conservative in his most recent outing, utilizing leg kicks and ground-and-pound to get a three-round nod over Matt Mitrione. It will be tempting to exchange with Hunt, but the K-1 veteran is deceptive when it comes to luring opponents within range. The moment Kongo thinks he has an advantage is when Hunt is at his most dangerous.

If he finds himself outclassed fighting at distance, Kongo has the ability to shift gears. He can land brutal knees in the clinch and work the fight to the ground. While not an expert there, he is adept at powering his way into top control and throwing powerful strikes from inside guard.

The Pick: Kongo’s reach can keep Hunt at bay, but top control will wear out his foe and minimize the risk of a kill shot. Kongo wins by technical knockout via ground-and-pound in the third frame.

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