Cheick Kongo vs. Paul Buentello Fight Preview and Prediction

Cheick Kongo vs. Paul Buentello Fight Preview and Prediction – UFC on Versus

23rd February 2010 in MMA Betting

Odds: Cheick Kongo (-450), Buentello (+300)

Preview: An electrifying heavyweight match-up has been added to the free UFC card on the Versus channel between Cheick Kongo and Paul Buentello. By free-TV standards, this is an excellent preliminary bout to the Jon Jones-Brandon Vera main event. Both fighters are established contenders in the now-resurgent UFC heavyweight division. To keep pace with the other standouts in the division, both fighters need a win here.

It is perhaps not a stretch to say the loser of this fight might have to begin looking for work elsewhere. Non-superstar fighters with a string of losses tend not to have a lot of staying power in the ultra-competitive UFC. Kongo has dropped two straight, while Buentello last won a UFC bout back in 2006. The implications in this bout should give way to a well-contested battle fought at a high pitch.

Kongo lost his last two fights, but a look behind the losses reveals he might still have something left for the heavyweight elite. Losing to Brock Lesnar-conqueror Frank Mir and juggernaut sensation Cain Velasquez are not losses that suggest he can’t fight anymore, even if they perhaps indicate he is an echelon below the very best. At this point in Buentello’s career, he is at least a full level below the fighters who have recently beaten Kongo.

Buentello lost a close decision to 6’11” Stefan Struve at UFC 107, his first appearance in the UFC in several years. His stand-up is still dangerous, and theoretically, he can knock out any fighter he lands on cleanly. The same can be said for the explosive French kickboxer Kongo. So fireworks should be expected, and a fight that lasts the full 3 rounds seems unlikely.

Prediction: The probability exists that Buentello, 36, is not going to be able to elevate his game to the next level at this stage in his career. If he were supposed to be a top-echelon fighter it would have happened before now. He is probably in the last act of a solid career that saw him fight with distinction while falling just short of greatness.

The same assertions might eventually be made about Kongo, but the dye hasn’t been cast yet. He still has enough upside to lend more credibility to his cause at this point. Despite a recent slump, he appears to be in better form, has fought the tougher competition as of late, and seems the fresher of the two.

Buentello’s backers are not without hope, however. Cheick has been prone to give off the vibe of an underachiever; just the kind of opponent an old warrior like Buentello could rise to the occasion against for an upset. It would not be a mind-blowing result if Buentello were able to knock out or submit a disinterested Kongo. Stranger things have happened.

A likelier result is that Kongo’s activity-level, sharpness in striking, and greater athleticism will win the day. One must take a small leap of faith in assuming Kongo will have his head screwed on straight for this fight. With his career on the line, it’s not unreasonable to expect to see Kongo with a renewed focus and spirit.

I see Kongo winning on strikes inside of two rounds.

Bet: Lay the –450 on Cheick Kongo to win.