UFC 107 Matchups: Mir vs. Kongo Odds & Picks
The co-main event of UFC 107 is a heavyweight battle between top contenders Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo.
The former heavyweight champion, Mir, enters the fight as the favorite with a money line of -200 according to online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com. Kongo enters the fight with a line of +160. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this main event bout, which will take place from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday at 10PM ET on Pay-Per View.
Frank Mir (12-4):
Strengths: Mir is one of the top submission fighters in the world and perhaps the best in the heavyweight division. He is the lone fighter to hold a win over current UFC Heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. Mir has also improved on his conditioning and his boxing over the last two years, becoming a well-rounded fighter.
Weaknesses: Mir has struggled against guys that are quicker than him with their punching. But, his opponent in this fight is very one-dimensional, so don’t look for Mir to leave the fight standing. Mir’s conditioning was an issue for him in the past, but that problem seems to have been dealt with.
Last Five Fights:
Second round TKO loss to Brock Lesnar at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009
Second round TKO win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 92 on Dec. 27, 2008
First round submission win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 81 on Feb. 2, 2008
First round submission win over Antoni Hardonk at UFC 74 on Aug. 25, 2007
First round TKO loss to Brandon Vera at UFC 65 on Nov. 18, 2006
Cheick Kongo (14-5-1):
Strengths: Kongo is a tremendous physical specimen that has a lot of power in his strikes. He is in pretty good shape for a heavyweight and has also worked to improve his ground game. Kongo is clearly a stand up fighter as he has lacked in success when fights get to the ground.
Weaknesses: While his ground game is improving, he is still fairly a novice when it comes to submission and ground fighting. Kongo has been unable to stop takedowns in his last three UFC losses, and in this fight, Mir will definitely want to get the stronger Kongo to the ground.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision loss to Cain Velasquez at UFC 99 on June 13, 2009
Second round TKO win over Antonio Hardonk at UFC 97 on April 18, 2009
First round TKO win over Mostapa Al-Turk at UFC 92 on Dec. 27, 2008
First round TKO win over Dan Evensen at UFC 87 on Aug. 9, 2008
Split decision loss to Heath Herring at UFC 82 on March 1, 2008
Who will win: Kongo has a chance to defeat Mir due to his superior striking, but this fight should be a pretty simple one for Mir. He simply needs to get the fight to the ground with a takedown or by pulling into guard and then using his vastly superior submission skills to lock in a choke, arm bar, or leg lock for the victory. I expect to see Mir win somewhat quickly and in impressive fashion. Look for a first round submission victory.