Cheick Kongo (13-4-1) vs. Antoni Hardonk (8–4)
The second bout of the night is a heavyweight showdown between Cheick Kongo and Antoni Hardonk. Kongo, a powerful French kickboxer, and Hardonk, a product of Holland’s kickboxing schools, will no doubt be looking to let the leather fly. With fighters as big as these guys trading kicks and punches, this one has the potential to be a barn burner. Kongo -270 / Hardonk +210 current odds
Hardonk, a talented Dutch kickboxer, has had mixed success thusfar in UFC. After a win in his debut against Sherman Pendergarst, Hardonk dropped two straight to Frank Mir and Justin McCully. Since then, he has rebounded well, winning three in a row against mediocre competition. A win against Kongo would be the biggest of his career thusfar, but he has looked shaky every time he has stepped up in competition in the past.
Kongo has definitely looked impressive thusfar in UFC. He has lost only two fights, to Heath Herring and Carmelo Marrero, and both were razor-thin split decisions. He also holds impressive wins over Christian Wellisch, Assuerio Silva, and Mirko Cro Cop. Like Hardonk, Kongo’s best work is on his feet, so this fight will probably end up looking more like a kickboxing match than an MMA fight.
In the end, Kongo should be able to handle Hardonk. He has superior cardio and more big-time fight experience. Hardonk should land some good shots, but Kongo should outlast him and overwhelm him late in the fight.
Kongo by TKO, round 3.
