ALDANA: 6’ 2”, 245 pounds, 28, Chandler, Arizona, known as “El Peligroso”

BACKGROUND: Aldana is a Rage In the Cage super heavyweight champion and fights out of the Brausa Academy in Arizona with Cory Timmerman (Pictures) and UFC veteran Edwin Dewees (Pictures). He has a professional record of 5-1 in MMA.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Knocked out Herb Garcia in just three seconds at Rage In The Cage 61.

UFC EXPERIENCE: 0-1. Paul Buentello (Pictures) stopped him with strikes at UFC 57.

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: He has heavy hands. Gilbert also has a lot of heart as the bout with “The Headhunter” was his first challenge outside the comfort zone of his home state promotion. Aldana lasted a round and a half with a former heavyweight contender and gave it all he had.

KONGO: 6’ 3”, 242 pounds, 31, Paris, France, known as “The French Sensation”

BACKGROUND: Kongo trains at the Fimeu Gym in Paris with Flavio Peroba and the Quoniam Gym with Yohan Quoniam and Zubai Bouneniamine. He also works with the Bonnel-Kongo Team in Miami, Florida. Cheik is a Muay Thai fighter but began training many martial arts from the time he was 5. He studied kendo and karate under Master Marc Angevin. He went on to train in Greco-Roman wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai. He is the 2005 King of the Rings World Champion and has a free fight record of 29-2 (28 KO) and a Muay Thai record of 18-1 (18 KO). His pro MMA record is 7-2-1.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Lost a decision to Rodney Faverus in RINGS Holland. Fought to a draw with Michael Knapp. Submitted Hans Nyman in 2003. Beat Dave Vader by decision at RINGS Holland: The Untouchables. Knocked out Joop Kasteel at RINGS Holland: World’s Greatest. Was stopped by Gilbert Yvel (Pictures) and took out Dave Dalgliesh with strikes in RINGS Holland.

UFC EXPERIENCE: Debut.

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Quality striking skills. He also brings a wealth of ring experience for a first-timer in the UFC. Judging from all the KO’s on his record, Kongo likes to settle it standing.

OVERALL OPINION OF MATCH: Very exciting. This should be a heck of a battle on the feet … for about two minutes. It’s nice to see the UFC get their version of Gilbert Yvel (Pictures) in the cage (except Kongo is French, not Dutch). These two will only hit the ground if one is brought there with a crushing blow. Hopefully we see the big knockout in the highlights.