Jackson and Henderson Set to Make History
Filipovic vs. Kongo
Sep 7, 2007
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Cheick Kongo (Pictures)
In his last venture across the pond, Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) went from certain title challenger to heavyweight afterthought courtesy of a Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures) "Hand of God" head kick that made Maradona blush.
Against Parisian kickboxer Cheick Kongo (Pictures), he will strive to re-establish
himself as a potential challenger to Randy Couture (Pictures)'s throne. Meanwhile Cheick Kongo (Pictures) would love to send "Cro Cop"
crashing to the floor like Robert Downey Jr. after a weeklong
bender.
Entering the UFC amid much fanfare, Kongo quickly made a name for himself with an aggressive Muay Thai style that overwhelmed one-dimensional opponents such as Christian Wellisch (Pictures) and Gilbert Aldana (Pictures). As it turns out, Kongo was every bit as one dimensional as his opposition.
For "Cro Cop" the hype that accompanied his transition from elite K-1 kickboxer to mixed martial artist has been largely justified. The only problem for the Croatian Jack Bauer has been his penchant for pulling an A-Rod in big spots, as evidenced by his unexpected knockout losses to Gonzaga and to MMA's favorite "Grand Theft Auto" reject, Kevin Randleman (Pictures).
Regardless, you can't argue with the Filipovic's success against the likes of Josh Barnett (Pictures). The fact remains that he may be the most talented heavyweight striker the sport has ever seen. Then again all the talent in the world with nothing to show for it puts you in the same class as Ryan Leaf and Jose Canseco.
If "Cro Cop" is to avoid adding anymore blemishes to his 22-5-2 record, he must start by reminding Kongo and the rest of the world of what made him such a feared competitor: his stand-up. Against Kongo he will have ample opportunity to do that. History has proven that doesn't guarantee Croatia's favorite son success, though.
Kongo's lanky frame and lethal Thai clinch make him a difficult fighter to deal with at any range. Given Mirko's preference for staying just outside the pocket, expect this fight to be decided there. At that distance the bout favors "Cro Cop" because of his masterful movement and ability to avoid damage while creating angles for his own strikes.
The one variable to watch for is whether "Cro Cop" bothers to show up in peak condition. He's fought lackadaisically before, and he simply isn't the same fighter when he's flatfooted and trying to load up on left high kicks.
After his recent loss to Gonzaga, expect Filipovic to be light on his feet and ready to deliver a striking exhibition. Kongo will struggle with his opponent's steady jab and constant movement, which will invariably set up a crippling left roundhouse kick.
This time around Filipovic's left shin should find Kongo's midsection. He'll put down his adversary with a punishing liver kick early in the second round.
(Sorry Jose, you and Ryan won't be getting a Croatian visitor anytime soon.)
In his last venture across the pond, Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) went from certain title challenger to heavyweight afterthought courtesy of a Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures) "Hand of God" head kick that made Maradona blush.
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Entering the UFC amid much fanfare, Kongo quickly made a name for himself with an aggressive Muay Thai style that overwhelmed one-dimensional opponents such as Christian Wellisch (Pictures) and Gilbert Aldana (Pictures). As it turns out, Kongo was every bit as one dimensional as his opposition.
Carmelo Marrero
(Pictures) exposed Kongo at UFC 64
with nothing more than basic Greco-Roman wrestling and top control.
Kongo did show improvement in his upset win over Assuerio Silva (Pictures). Still, he'll be glad to take on
an opponent who will oblige him on the feet, where he has the best
chance of adding another win to his 10-3-1 tally.
For "Cro Cop" the hype that accompanied his transition from elite K-1 kickboxer to mixed martial artist has been largely justified. The only problem for the Croatian Jack Bauer has been his penchant for pulling an A-Rod in big spots, as evidenced by his unexpected knockout losses to Gonzaga and to MMA's favorite "Grand Theft Auto" reject, Kevin Randleman (Pictures).
Regardless, you can't argue with the Filipovic's success against the likes of Josh Barnett (Pictures). The fact remains that he may be the most talented heavyweight striker the sport has ever seen. Then again all the talent in the world with nothing to show for it puts you in the same class as Ryan Leaf and Jose Canseco.
If "Cro Cop" is to avoid adding anymore blemishes to his 22-5-2 record, he must start by reminding Kongo and the rest of the world of what made him such a feared competitor: his stand-up. Against Kongo he will have ample opportunity to do that. History has proven that doesn't guarantee Croatia's favorite son success, though.
Kongo's lanky frame and lethal Thai clinch make him a difficult fighter to deal with at any range. Given Mirko's preference for staying just outside the pocket, expect this fight to be decided there. At that distance the bout favors "Cro Cop" because of his masterful movement and ability to avoid damage while creating angles for his own strikes.
The one variable to watch for is whether "Cro Cop" bothers to show up in peak condition. He's fought lackadaisically before, and he simply isn't the same fighter when he's flatfooted and trying to load up on left high kicks.
After his recent loss to Gonzaga, expect Filipovic to be light on his feet and ready to deliver a striking exhibition. Kongo will struggle with his opponent's steady jab and constant movement, which will invariably set up a crippling left roundhouse kick.
This time around Filipovic's left shin should find Kongo's midsection. He'll put down his adversary with a punishing liver kick early in the second round.
(Sorry Jose, you and Ryan won't be getting a Croatian visitor anytime soon.)
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