Tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET on Spike TV Bellator will try to recreate the ratings magic of Bellator 138 between Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice when they pit Cheick Kongo against Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight battle that headlines Bellator 139. Live stream the fight and the free preliminary bouts by clicking this link.
Cheick Kongo, 40, is trying to make a last gasp at a possible heavyweight title shot. He is receiving this opportunity based on his name though, and not his 2-2 record in his last four fights. The last time Kongo was in the octagon was in February when he was beaten by "King Mo" Lawal by split decision.
Volkoff fought in April, and is also coming off a loss. He was defeated by Tony Johnson, also by split decision, so tonight's fight is a crossroads matchup for both. Volkoff, arguably, has more to lose. He has a three-inch height advantage on Kongo, and he's 14 years younger than his opponent. Volkoff has much more ahead of him if he wins, while Kongo is near the end of his rope.
Kongo has no fear of striking with the larger Volkoff, and also said he's prepared to take the fight to the ground despite being outmuscled by Lawal down there in February.
"You really work on the special game plan, you want to be better, but who knows? For sure he would like to exchange and get the possibility to put me down no matter what. If he's going for the striking, let's do it!! And then on the ground, let's do it ... that's MMA," Kongo said.
When asked about the possibility of fighting for the title after this matchup, Kongo was excited.
"Yes, oh yeah, hopefully -- I wish! I wish it so bad. I just heard that Minakov just came back on track. Hopefully (this) will be the last one to determine who is gonna be the next contender."
Prediction: Volkoff def. Kongo by TKO (Round 2)
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.