Cheick Kongo
Kongo defeats Matt Mitrione in boring fight
Tonight was supposed to be a test for Matt Mitrione. The former NFL player turned MMA fighter had won his first five fights and his opponent, Cheick Kongo, was going to prove whether or not Mitrione was ready for the next level.
No one said the test had to be exciting, and the results weren’t necessarily clear.
Mitrione was handed the first loss of his professional career via unanimous decision as Kongo came out ahead on the judge’s scorecards. After a static first round that drew boos from the crowd, Mitrione turned up the heat on the French striker in the second frame. The former TUF alum pushed the pace and was able to close the distance where he landed several sharp combinations. Kongo appeared to be in trouble midway through the round, and when the bell sounded, Mitrione had the momentum going into the third.
The final round would ultimately prove to be his undoing as Kongo was able to put Mitrione on his back and work an effective ground and pound. Mitrione used a submission attempt to get back to his feet but it was short lived as Kongo dumped him once again. From side control, Kongo landed big punches and moved to a choke as the final bell sounded.
The win makes it two in a row for Kongo as he followed up his “Knockout of the Year” candidate performance against Pat Barry with a win tonight in Las Vegas.