• UFC 137

Kongo 'not worried by Mitrione's punching power'

ESPN staff
October 22, 2011
Cheick Kongo v Matt Mitrione

Matt Mitrione has never been defeated in his MMA career, but Cheick Kongo insists he is not worried by the American's danger at UFC 137.

Mitrione v Kongo holds plenty of relevance in the heavyweight division. A victory for Mitrione propels him into genuine title contention, while at 36 years of age Kongo knows he cannot afford any more defeats.

"I came to the UFC for the goal, for the quest. And I have to reach that. I don't want to be stopped by anybody else now," Kongo admitted.

Mitrione is seen as the man on the rise, having knocked out four of his five UFC opponents to date. The former NFL man boasts undoubted power in his hands, but he is also prone to leaving his chin open on occasion.

To a man like Kongo, who is coming off the comeback of the year against Pat Barry - who got floored even though Kongo was on silly street, an unguarded chin is all he needs.

"Matt Mitrione has a huge reach, he's a good striker, he's got good kicks, he keeps learning very fast and he's dedicated to MMA," Kongo said.

"[But] I'm not concerned by his punching power. Yes he's fast, but I'm not worried about that. I came here to win, and I'll win."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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