Heavyweight Cheick Kongo has knocked out 10 fighters in his professional career and I’m expecting him to add to that total tonight.
Matt Mitrione is undefeated has a professional (5-0) and has plenty of people on his bandwagon right now.
However, he hasn’t fought anyone near Kongo’s level. This is a huge step up in competition for him and I don’t think he’s quite ready.
Kongo also has much more on the line at this point. He’s 36-years-old and if he wants to go on another serious run in his career, he has to do it now.
In his last fight, Kongo knocked out Pat Barry in the first round. I’m not expecting this one to happen as quickly, but I think Kongo will add to his momentum.
Mitrione has yet to be tested and has never been in serious trouble in the ring. No one knows how he’ll respond when something goes wrong.
With Kongo’s size, experience and skill level, Mitrione will definitely find himself in trouble at some point.
Mitrione weighs 30 pounds more than Kongo, but won’t be as well conditioned. I think he’ll wear down after the first two rounds, and Kongo will win it in the third.
Mitrione’s ground skills are questionable and I think Kongo will exploit this weakness. Look for him to take the fight to the ground and force the referee to step in.