Jun-5-2006

A Heavyweight Explosion is Coming on July 8

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By Thomas Gerbasi

Every fight fan likes a good heavyweight scrap. Well, on July 8th, you’ll love the matchup of big men when French sensation Cheick Kongo makes his UFC debut against always exciting Gilbert Aldana at UFC 61, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

“This is an honor for me as it's the ‘place to be’,” said the 6 foot 4 Kongo about his first visit to the Octagon. “Aldana is a very good opponent and I will train hard and focus to prepare for him.”

A freestyle fighter with a Muay Thai base who trains out of Paris’ Fimeu Gym, the 31-year-old Kongo is a fierce striker who is always looking for a knockout. That choice of words would also be apt in describing the style of Phoenix’ Aldana, who thrilled fans in his first UFC bout against Paul Buentello at UFC 57 in February, rocking ‘The Headhunter’ a number of times before succumbing via a second round stoppage.

Needless to say, it wouldn’t be wise to leave your seat for this one.

Tickets for UFC 61 are going fast, and may be purchased by clicking here. The UFC is also holding a special auction for UFC 61 floor seats in the first six rows of the Mandalay Bay Events Center. For info, click here.