Velasquez vs. Kongo, a battle for respect

At UFC 99 Cain Velasquez and Cheick Kongo will meet in a bout that will have great repercussions for both fighters and the UFC heavyweight division.

For Cain Velasquez he is fighting to prove that he is more than just a top prospect that he is in fact the future of the UFC's heavyweight division. For Cheick Kongo he is fighting for the possibility of fighting for the heavyweight title. With so much on the line this fight is clearly the most meaningful on the entire UFC 99 card. 

Velasquez (5-0, 3-0 UFC) appeared on everyone's radar in 2008 after he defeated Jake O'Brien at Ultimate Fight Night 14. That event was put together at the last minute in order to counter Affliction's first event entitled Banned. Velasquez's victory demonstrated how the UFC could let notable heavyweights like Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Tim Sylvia go, in favor of young and talented prospects. 

Cain is a two time All-American wrestler out of the Arizona State, a perfect pedigree for success in the UFC. On top of that he has show a great proficiency for striking, all five of his fights ended in TKO. Despite Velasquez's origins and potential he has yet to be tested and many (including me) were clamoring for an elevation in competition. UFC matchmaker, Joe Silva, agreed and the UFC scheduled heavyweight gatekeeper Heath Herring to fight Velasquez at UFC 99.

Herring pulled out due to a illness that was preventing him from training. That is when Frenchman, Cheick Kongo, stepped in. 

Many saw Cheick Kongo (14-4-1, 7-2 UFC) as a step up in combination over Herring despite Kongo having previously lost to Herring. Kongo's recent three fight win streak, and the lack of clear heavyweight contender, threw him smack dab in the middle of title contention. A victory over Velasquez may seal Kongo's position as number one contender. 

Kongo is a 6'4" kickboxer, who used his size, strength and reach to pick apart the feared striker, Mirko Filipovic. If the 6'1"  Velasquez stands with Kongo we will discover just how good his striking really is. Despite Kongo's three inch height advantage both fighters weight around 240lbs. 

Most likely Velasquez will avoid the stand up in favor of take downs and wrestling. While Cheick demonstrated improved wrestling in his past three fights, he was soundly out-wrestled by Heath Herring at UFC 82. With Cain's past as an All Pac-10 and All-American wrestler he should be able to handle Kongo on the ground. 

In Germany this Saturday we will discover how good is Cain Velasquez really is and if Kongo is truly a number one contender.