Despite likely losing a headlining bout, UFC 149 is beginning to fill up, as a heavyweight matchup between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cheick Kongo will take place at the July 21st event. UFC 149 takes place at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Nogueira (33-7-1-1NC) returns after taking on Frank Mir at UFC 140 in December. The rematch between the two ended with Mir submitting “Minotauro” with a kimura, breaking his right arm in the process. Nogueira underwent surgery after the fight, and had to spend several weeks recovering. He has since resumed training and will look to continue his current pattern of alternating wins and losses in his last six fights.
He will take on Kongo (17-7-2) who will also be looking to return to the win column. Kongo took on Mark Hunt at UFC 144 in February, and was knocked out by the “Super Samoan” just two minutes into the fight. This was Kongo’s first loss since his own defeat to Frank Mir at UFC 107 in December 2009.
UFC 149 was expected to be headlined by Jose Aldo and a soon-to-be announced opponent. However, UFC President Dana White stated that Aldo is likely going to headline UFC 147 in Brazil, instead. The light heavyweight championship fight between Jon Jones and Dan Henderson is a strong possibility to headline this event.
