UFC Betting: KONGO vs. Buentello
by Nick Meyer
Cheick Kongo has always been regarded as one of the best strikers in the UFC's heavyweight division, if not one of the best in MMA.
But after Frank Mir exposed a weakness in his European kickboxing style with a perfectly-timed left hook that knocked him down and led to a submission, some people are questioning whether Kongo will ever be more than a gatekeeper in the division.
Despite that poor performance, Kongo is still a big favorite over a solid veteran in Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello on March 21 at the UFC on Versus event.
Kongo has the edge in terms of athleticism and technical striking, but Buentello's one-punch knockout power and superior ground skills could make him a solid MMA betting underdog pick in this one.
The BetUs.com Sportsbook odds have Kongo as a -400 favorite to +300 for the underdog Buentello going in to the fight, which will be televised on free TV.
This should be an exciting fight to watch and it will probably end in either a knockout or TKO, or perhaps a submssion by Buentello if he gets lucky.
Kongo has been treading water in the heavyweight division after coming close to a title shot, and this is a must-win fight for him.
Buentello also needs to win the fight badly, as he lost a tough decision to Stefan Struve in his last bout at UFC 107.
Both guys could be in danger of being cut soon by the UFC if they don't start winning, and that's what makes this fight so compelling along with each guy's ability to finish fights.
Kongo has no doubt been working to shore up the flaws in his stand-up defense that Mir exploited, because a well-placed punch by Buentello could mean curtains.
Buentello has a lot of power but his footwork and technique are sloppy and that means trouble against the fluid striker Kongo.
Buentello may try to take this fight to the ground but that will be hard to do against Kongo as he isn't the best wrestler or judo practitioner around.
If the fight stays standing as expected, Kongo should be able to eventually overwhelm the UFC betting underdog Buentello with his footwork and speed.
Once that happens, Kongo will move in for the kill via ground and pound using his long arms to finish off Buentello in the second round.
