UFC 107: Frank Mir in talks to face Cheick Kongo on Dec. 12
By: Jesse Holland
Eager to rebound from their recent losses, UFC heavyweights Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo are in talks to collide at UFC 107, tentatively scheduled for the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee on December 12.
While bout agreements have not been distributed, MMAmania.com has been able to confirm an earlier report by Sportsnet.ca that both sides have expressed interest in the potential showdown.
Mir is coming off a smothering and painful loss Brock Lesnar at UFC 100 on July 11 in the final round of the mini heavyweight tournament set up to declare an undisputed division champion.
Prior to that, Mir did what no man before him ever had, finishing the legendary Antonio Nogueira for the first time in his prestigious career with crisp stand up and not his bread and butter, the submission game.
Whether or not Mir keeps it standing against Kongo — who has been susceptible to the takedown — remains to be seen.
Like Mir, Kongo was on the wrong end of wrestler’s bludgeoning when he got planished by Cain Velasquez at UFC 99 this past June. While the Parisian manged to drop the up-and-coming prospect with his heavy hands, Velasquez survived and utilized his ground and pound to grind out the lopsided decision.
Kongo went into UFC 99 winning five of six after dismantling Antoni Hardonk at UFC 97: “Redemption” back in April, stopping the Dutch kickboxer in the second round via technical knockout — the first TKO loss in Hardonk’s career.
A win over the crafty Mir would certainly get people talking about his place in this division.
UFC 107 is expected to be headlined by “Sugar” Rashad Evans vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, bitter rivals and opposing coaches on the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing fight card.
http://mmamania.com/2009/07/24/ufc-107- ... on-dec-12/
