News
06/02/09 - Exclusive: Kongo v Hardonk confirmed for UFC 97
Dutch heavyweight Antoni Hardonk (8-4) will face Cheick Kongo (13-4-1) at UFC 97 in Montreal, Fighters Only learned earlier today.
Sources in the Netherlands said the bout agreements have been signed and the fight is all set for the UFC’s second Canadian event.
Kongo was thought to be facing Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his next fight, but the Brazilian’s camp recently revealed that fight will not be happening.
In Hardonk, Kongo faces a fellow European who shares his background in Muay Thai kickboxing - Hardonk trains with four-time K-1 champion Ernesto Hoost.
But while Kongo has steadily climbed the rankings and is on the verge of placing himself in title contention, Hardonk has struggled with the MMA top-flight.
He went 1-2 in his first three fights for the UFC. He has won his three subsequent fights, but the level of competition they provided is questionable.
Kongo has faced more top-ranked fighters and holds a win over Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix winner Mirko ‘CroCop’ Filopovic.
He is 6-2 in the UFC and has greatly improved his ground game during his time there, after receiving heavy criticism following his earlier fights.
Attachments:
- There are no attachments for this article
