- Thread starter
- #1
Bornagaincollector
New member
I like this matchup better!
Cheick Kongo replaces Heath Herring at Germany's UFC 99 event
Veteran heavyweight and once again rising contender Cheick Kongo (14-4-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will replace Heath Herring (28-14 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and fight Cain Velasquez (5-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) at next month's UFC 99 event.
Kongo posted the change on his Facebook early Wednesday morning, and the UFC has since made the adjustment official.
UFC 99 takes place on June 13 at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.
On Tuesday the UFC announced that an injury forced Herring out of the co-main-event fight. However, a report from MMA FanHouse stated the fighter instead was dealing with a sickness that's left him out of training for the past couple weeks.
It is currently unknown if the Kongo vs. Velasquez bout will remain in the same slot on the evening's schedule.
As far as drawing power in Germany and the potential impact on the heavyweight title picture, Kongo is arguably an upgrade. However, his UFC 99 appearance would be his second fight in just two months. He most recently topped Antoni Hardonk with a second-round TKO at UFC 97.
It was the third consecutive victory for Kongo, whom UFC President Dana White recently said was back in the title picture and possibly just a win or two away from a shot at the belt.
A win over Velasquez, one of the sport's most promising heavyweight prospects, would give Kongo a solid case for a title shot. After all, Velasquez is a remarkable 5-0 with five TKO stoppages. All but his most recent one (over Denis Stojnic at UFC Fight Night 17) came in the first round.
UFC 99 marks the organization's debut in Germany, which has welcomed the UFC with a lukewarm reception. Minors have been banned from attending the event, and local press has demonized the sport. However, ticket sales are solid for the event, which features a main event between former UFC champion Rich Franklin and former PRIDE title-holder Wanderlei Silva (at a catch-weight of 195 pounds).
Cheick Kongo replaces Heath Herring at Germany's UFC 99 event
Veteran heavyweight and once again rising contender Cheick Kongo (14-4-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will replace Heath Herring (28-14 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and fight Cain Velasquez (5-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) at next month's UFC 99 event.
Kongo posted the change on his Facebook early Wednesday morning, and the UFC has since made the adjustment official.
UFC 99 takes place on June 13 at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.
On Tuesday the UFC announced that an injury forced Herring out of the co-main-event fight. However, a report from MMA FanHouse stated the fighter instead was dealing with a sickness that's left him out of training for the past couple weeks.
It is currently unknown if the Kongo vs. Velasquez bout will remain in the same slot on the evening's schedule.
As far as drawing power in Germany and the potential impact on the heavyweight title picture, Kongo is arguably an upgrade. However, his UFC 99 appearance would be his second fight in just two months. He most recently topped Antoni Hardonk with a second-round TKO at UFC 97.
It was the third consecutive victory for Kongo, whom UFC President Dana White recently said was back in the title picture and possibly just a win or two away from a shot at the belt.
A win over Velasquez, one of the sport's most promising heavyweight prospects, would give Kongo a solid case for a title shot. After all, Velasquez is a remarkable 5-0 with five TKO stoppages. All but his most recent one (over Denis Stojnic at UFC Fight Night 17) came in the first round.
UFC 99 marks the organization's debut in Germany, which has welcomed the UFC with a lukewarm reception. Minors have been banned from attending the event, and local press has demonized the sport. However, ticket sales are solid for the event, which features a main event between former UFC champion Rich Franklin and former PRIDE title-holder Wanderlei Silva (at a catch-weight of 195 pounds).
