Breakdown UFC 92: Cheick Kongo vs. Mostapha Al Turk

UFC 92 “The Ultimate 2008″ could be the largest PPV in the history of the sport.  To guarantee that the main card gets the attention it deserves, I am going to post a 5 part series entitled Breakdown UFC 92:  Kongo vs. Al Turk (as you can see in the title).  When people talk about the final card of 2008 it will be rare to hear them talk about this fight.  It is only fitting that we work our way up to the fights that are garnering all of the hype.  Starting off will be the preview and prediction from the Cheick Kongo vs. Mostapha Al Turk fight.

I have one half joking half serious rule when it comes to picking fights.  If you do not have a picture on UFC.com then you aren’t good enough to get the pick to win.  If the UFC don’t think you are important enough for a picture, how could I?  Al Turk still doesn’t have a picture on the site so he will definitely not get my nod.  Al Turk will be making his UFC debut against Kongo and since he is new to the cage you may not know that much about him.  Mostapha is a fighter from London England who has been crowned ADCC European Champion and has a very good ground game and an underrated all around game.  His MMA record stands at 6-3.  You would think someone that has been crowned with any type of ADCC championship would dominate on the ground but this fighter has solid striking as well.  All of his 6 wins have been due to strikes.  He is starting to gain experience but the only fighter he has beaten that you may have heard of is Mark Kerr (who recently lost to Jeff Monson).  It is no secret that Al Turk’s ground game will be better than Kongo’s.  If he is to win this fight he will need to take it to the ground.  If he does so he will be able to control the fight and squeeze out a win or possibly a referee’s stoppage.

Cheick Kongo is one of those guys you wouldn’t want to see in an alley on a dark night.  He is a monster.    He is 6’4 and weighs every bit of 244 pounds.  Kongo was known as just another big guy in the world of MMA until he put the stamp on former Pride standout Mirko Cro Cop.  I wish I would have bet a pay check that Kongo would last longer in the UFC than Cro Cop…  Cheick has an impressive record of 22-4-1 and has won 5 out of 7 since joining the UFC.  In that time we have learned a ton about the French fighter both good and bad.  It is no doubt that he has great stand up.  If he wins it will be because of one of two ways.  He will either beat Al Turk using his striking or he will control the battle of stand up long enough to get the judges decision.  Another thing that we know about Kongo is that he doesn’t have what would be considered an impressive ground game.  He does have a ground game but his last submission victory was 5 years ago and he only has 2 in his pro career.

This will be a battle of giants.  The two fighters are huge.  I don’t care who you are 6’4 240 is a monster.  I see this one being a stand up fight.  If that is the case Kongo should be able to control the bout.  His striking is strong and he will be able to show Al Turk a think or two.  Did I mention no picture?  The only way for Al Turk to win in my opinion is on the ground.  That is easier said that done. To get the take down he will have to avoid the knees and kicks of Kongo.  If he tries to shoot with his head down, or telegraphs it, it could be a very short night.  I see this one lasting into the second round before Kongo is finally able to take control and finish his opponent by TKO.