” Yes It’s official now, I’m gonna fight Mark Hunt at @ufc 144 in Japan . This will be my first time in Japan so Im very excited and proud to be a part of it, especially now that my bro @Rampage4real is going to fight there too ! Have a nice weekend, y’all ! ”
-from Cheick Kongo’s twitter @iamcheickkongo
The battle of two of the toughest chins at heavyweight has been made for UFC 144. France’s Cheick Kongo will be fighting the “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt in Japan on February 26, 2012.
Kongo is riding a four fight unbeaten streak including a spectacular come from behind win against dangerous striker Pat Barry. Kongo was dropped twice during the bout, but was able to catch Barry rushing in haphazardly with a fight ending right hook. In Kongo’s last fight, he earned a unanimous decision over a previously undefeated Matt Mitrione.
Mark Hunt had made his career and reputation on the Japanese fight circuit where his iron chin became legendary, taking the best shots from Mirko Cro Cop and Wanderlei Silva and defeating both. Hunt is currently on a 2 fight win streak, where he last defeated Ben Rothwell by Unanimous decision.