Brock Lesnar’s next opponent could be Cheick Kongo

**Onip69** · 08-10-2008 02:55 PM

Brock Lesnar’s next opponent could be Cheick Kongo
Posted by Sam Caplan

Brock Lesnar’s next opponent could be Cheick Kongo :Five Ounces of Pain

Steve Cofield from Yahoo! Sports and ESPN Radio in Las Vegas is reporting that last night’s post-UFC 87 press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. was a buzz about the UFC possibly looking to match Brock Lesnar in his next fight vs. Cheick Kongo.

“The word swirling around the media room was that UFC may try to make a Cheick Kongo-Lesnar fight next,” writes Cofield.

Lesnar evened his UFC record to 1-1 following a three-round unanimous decision over Heath Herring in one of the night’s featured attractions. In an undercard match that was moved to the pay-per-view broadcast on a tape-delay basis, Kongo finished UFC newcomer Dan “The Viking” Evensen off via TKO towards the end of round 1.

Kongo and Herring actually fought each other this past March, with Herring winning their UFC 82 matchup via split decision in a fight where both competitors looked impressive. Despite losing to Herring, Kongo would pose an intriguing test for Lesnar. Kongo is still relatively new to MMA and would be vulnerable on the ground. However, he could possibly dominate the standup portion of the fight.

An accomplished kickboxer, Kongo is a more versatile striker than Herring and his leg kicks could create problems for Lesnar. You also have to take into consideration that on some levels, Kongo would be able to match him athletically. Simply put, Lesnar would not have the same physical skill advantage he had last night vs. Herring.

A more sensible matchup for the emerging mega-star might be former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman, Lesnar’s original opponent for UFC 87 before pulling out with an injury.

From a box office standpoint, Lesnar vs. Coleman has a lot of potential. Lesnar resorted to some pro wrestling tactics last night by trying to embrace the role of a “bad guy” with some of his antics aimed at Herring. The 43-year old Coleman, a professional wrestler in Japan, could easily assume the role of “good guy” as a past-his-prime veteran trying to prove himself one last time against the cocky newcomer. A UFC Hall of Famer, Coleman has strong credentials that can earn him credibility with a novice fanbase if he is marketed properly.

However, it remains to be seen whether it’s a fight Coleman is still even interested in. There have been recent rumblings that Coleman might be looking to cut down to light heavyweight for a possible rematch in December against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. However, Rua was just recently quoted on a video appearing on YouTube that his December opponent could instead of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Regardless, after last night’s effort, does it make sense for the 43-year old Coleman to try and test himself against Lesnar after he’s already proven himself multi-times over? It would appear that Kongo is as good of an option as any as Lesnar’s next opponent.

**takeAnap** · 08-10-2008 02:58 PM

I think this would be a likely match up. I could see Lesnar taking him down and controlling him just like he did Herring. I wouldn't mind seeing Velazquez vs. Lesnar. I think Cain could give him a run for his money.

**FightFan76** · 08-10-2008 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by takeAnap

I think this would be a likely match up. I could see Lesnar taking him down and controlling him just like he did Herring. I wouldn't mind seeing Velazquez vs. Lesnar. I think Cain could give him a run for his money.

I honestly believe that it is 2 early for Brock to fight Cain; even though he is still relatively new himself, I believe his skill set would be 2 much for Brock. If this fight takes place a few fights down the road for Brock I think he will be much better prepared.....

**Crashsti** · 08-10-2008 05:27 PM

Kongo's only chance of winning this is to keep the fight standing. Basically the same plan that Herring had and didn't work. If Kongo gets taken down thats the end. He has a lousy ground game and is 20lbs. lighter than Herring was. Another GnP victory for Lesnar, although i think Brock could end this one before the end of 3 rounds.

**WanderleiSilver** · 08-10-2008 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Crashsti

Kongo's only chance of winning this is to keep the fight standing. Basically the same plan that Herring had and didn't work. If Kongo gets taken down thats the end. He has a lousy ground game and is 20lbs. lighter than Herring was. Another GnP victory for Lesnar, although i think Brock could end this one before the end of 3 rounds.

This is the way I see it. Then Brock will no doubt be up against another of the top contenders, whom I'm struggling to think of at the moment that aren't tied up in the near future. Velasquez maybe?, I'd love to see that and I think Cain could definetly be the one to have an answer for Lesnar.

Maybe even Lesnar/Gonzaga?, that's another one I see Lesnar taking.

**Crazy Hawk** · 08-10-2008 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Crashsti

Kongo's only chance of winning this is to keep the fight standing. Basically the same plan that Herring had and didn't work. If Kongo gets taken down thats the end. He has a lousy ground game and is 20lbs. lighter than Herring was. Another GnP victory for Lesnar, although i think Brock could end this one before the end of 3 rounds.

With the power & accuracy in is stand up I have a feeling brock could take kongo in stand up as well.

I really think brock does know some subs but just chose not to try for any & wanted to just get the win.

If you watch during that fight he made damn sure he didnt tap the back of the head LOL.

I just think he was being cautious.

**FightFan76** · 08-10-2008 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by WanderleiSliver

This is the way I see it. Then Brock will no doubt be up against another of the top contenders, whom I'm struggling to think of at the moment that aren't tied up in the near future. Velasquez maybe?, I'd love to see that and I think Cain could definetly be the one to have an answer for Lesnar.

Maybe even Lesnar/Gonzaga?, that's another one I see Lesnar taking.

That would be an interesting match-up.....

**subgenius** · 08-10-2008 05:54 PM

Kongo is a 6'4" at 240 compared to Lesnar's 6'2" at 265 (285 normally). Both are big, stong dudes. Both have good psyical conditioning. I would love to see this fight. But, I think that Lesnar gets the takedowns and then the win. As noted, Kongo seems to have next to zero skills on the ground.

**GSPALLTHEWAY** · 08-10-2008 06:06 PM

carmello marrero or whatever his name is creamed kongo with takedowns and average GnP, no reason why lesner couldnt do the same

**Brolaca** · 08-10-2008 06:50 PM

I want to see Brock Vs Shane Carwin

**T-Bone** · 08-10-2008 07:26 PM

Too bad the HW division in the UFC is so weak. Brock, as much a I don't like him, does want to be tested. His first two opponents were no pushover. Kongo isn't either but for Brock to be really tested, he needs to fight a HW with a ground game and it's too early for Nog.

Kongo will be much the same as Heath as far as the matchup is concerned.

I wouldn't mind seeing Carwin...or Cain Velasquez.

**CounterPuncher** · 08-10-2008 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Ventre

With the power & accuracy in is stand up I have a feeling brock could take kongo in stand up as well.

I really think brock does know some subs but just chose not to try for any & wanted to just get the win.

If you watch during that fight he made damn sure he didnt tap the back of the head LOL.

I just think he was being cautious.

I think your love for brock is clouding your judgement.

Brock would have a good chance in this fight but definitely not if he kept it standing.

**Crazy Hawk** · 08-10-2008 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by CounterPuncher

I think your love for brock is clouding your judgement.

Brock would have a good chance in this fight but definitely not if he kept it standing.

My opinion is my opinion & so far most everything I have said about him has been correct.

I do not love brock for the record I am just happy to see fresh blood in the hw division.

Lets see, Frank mir ex champion that never lost his belt gets dropped by a accurate hard jab & herring eats a hugh straight dead flush on his eye & cheek and is sent rolling, hmmm seems to me brock knows how to throw a punch & not to mention the fact that he was using knees that were buckling herring over while standing & oh my god did I almost forget the man was using pretty powerful leg kicks?

I think your low opinion of him is clouding your judgement my friend & I have a right to make that statement since you seem to think im in love with brock

Tell me where brocks stand up was either wildy thrown punches or inaccurate.

Also im pretty sure he laid some shots in with the elbows.

**CounterPuncher** · 08-10-2008 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Ventre

My opinion is my opinion & so far most everything I have said about him has been correct.

I do not love brock for the record I am just happy to see fresh blood in the hw division.

Lets see, Frank mir ex champion that never lost his belt gets dropped by a accurate hard jab & herring eats a hugh straight dead flush on his eye & cheek and is sent rolling, hmmm seems to me brock knows how to throw a punch & not to mention the fact that he was using knees that were buckling herring over while standing & oh my god did I almost forget the man was using pretty powerful leg kicks?

I think your low opinion of him is clouding your judgement my friend & I have a right to make that statement since you seem to think im in love with brock

Tell me where brocks stand up was either wildy thrown punches or inaccurate.

Also im pretty sure he laid some shots in with the elbows.

Fair enough. We both have the right to our own opinions, and mine is that Lesnar would be in for a rude awakening if he chose to stand with Kongo. Kongo defeated Cro Cop in an all stand up fight. So your saying that Lesnar's standup is better than his too?

But Lesnar is not that stupid so he will probably just take him down the first chance he gets and probably pull out a decision.

And just for the record Frank Mir's standup is not anything to write home about either.

**Crazy Hawk** · 08-10-2008 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by CounterPuncher

Fair enough. We both have the right to our own opinions, and mine is that Lesnar would be in for a rude awakening if he chose to stand with Kongo. Kongo defeated Cro Cop in an all stand up fight. So your saying that Lesnar's standup is better than his too?

But Lesnar is not that stupid so he will probably just take him down the first chance he gets and probably pull out a decision.

And just for the record Frank Mir's standup is not anything to write home about either.

Granted but what im saying is mir as well as herring never seen the punch coming & its not about mirs stand up, its that both of the fights were fresh and he dropped both guys with his first punch.

Kongo was hurting a little off herrings hits so its my opinion that if he gets laid into like herring or mir did that he will be on the ground to.

You got to admit that brocks stand up so far has not shown any flaws.

Kongo went the distant with cro cop & we both know cro cop didn't fight the way he did in pride.

Btw on that last post I wasn't trying to be rude if it appeared to be that way.

Personally I do think brocks stand up vs kongos is better but im only basing this off the fights I have seen kongo in & brocks fights.

There is more fights I need to see of kongos.

**Toshinden** · 08-11-2008 01:52 AM

This fight would be perfect right now - both just fought at the last event, so they'd have just as much preparation time between now and then. Also, neither the UFC nor Brock is going to want to give Brock a downgraded opponent after having him beat Herring who is arguably a top 5 HW in the organization at the moment. Everyone knows that it'll look good on Brock if he takes down another top guy in Kongo. Brock vs. Gonzaga at this point is dangerous for both guys - Brock can outwrestle him, but Gonzaga will be harder to lay on top of and grind out a UD - from what I can tell, Gonzaga's BJJ is better than Mir's but Brock will have more time to train and not make stupid mistakes by his next fight - he showed a lot of improvement this time, so anything could happen.

**p19101** · 08-11-2008 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by T-Bone

Too bad the HW division in the UFC is so weak. Brock, as much a I don't like him, does want to be tested. His first two opponents were no pushover. Kongo isn't either but for Brock to be really tested, he needs to fight a HW with a ground game and it's too early for Nog.

Kongo will be much the same as Heath as far as the matchup is concerned.

I wouldn't mind seeing Carwin...or Cain Velasquez.

I see it the same way. I wouldn't want to see Kongo vs Brock as it's much of the same as vs Herring to be expected. I'd like Velasquez as well, or perhaps Verdum.

**WanderleiSilver** · 08-11-2008 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by Ventre

Granted but what im saying is mir as well as herring never seen the punch coming & its not about mirs stand up, its that both of the fights were fresh and he dropped both guys with his first punch.

Kongo was hurting a little off herrings hits so its my opinion that if he gets laid into like herring or mir did that he will be on the ground to.

You got to admit that brocks stand up so far has not shown any flaws.

Kongo went the distant with cro cop & we both know cro cop didn't fight the way he did in pride.

Btw on that last post I wasn't trying to be rude if it appeared to be that way.

Personally I do think brocks stand up vs kongos is better but im only basing this off the fights I have seen kongo in & brocks fights.

There is more fights I need to see of kongos.

I wouldn't say Brocks stand up hasn't showed any flaws, he's clearly got very heavy hands but he's only ever connected when it hasn't been expected and his technique doesn't look amazing. I'd like to see him throwing some combos, but if he's winning the fight his way then you can't complain.

But it isn't going to be a striker that stops Brock IMO, Herring strikes as good as anyone in the UFCs HW division and it was easily nullifed by Lesnar.

**Gooner** · 08-11-2008 05:42 AM

Brock would win this one, no doubt.

And I said that right after Mir-Lesnar when people were hating on the little guy with the huge, veiny sword on his chest.
It's a pretty predictable fight imo, but I wouldn't mind seeing it. Not a big fan of Kongo's.

**Brad** · 08-11-2008 05:47 AM

I think that the Kongo fight would be easier for Brock then Herring. Brock I think just showed that with his wrestling, he could beat anyone in the HW division. I do think a lot of people could have a big chance to beat Lesnar standing, even though we haven't seen how good his chin is yet, but with the wrestling alone, I don't think their is anyone Brock couldn't take down with the power alone, let alone the wrestling experience, and he took down Herring with ease, so I think with this in mind, Kongo will be the easier fight.

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