Kang vs. Bisping
A featured bout of UFC 105 is a middleweight contest between Michael “The Count” Bisping and Denis Kang.
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Kang enters the fight as the favorite according to online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com. Kang has a betting line of -130 while Bisping is even. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this bout, which will take place from the M.E.N. Arena in
Denis Kang (32-11-1):
Strengths: Kang is your typical tough guy that likes to show no emotion and let his fighting do the talking. Kang has a well-rounded fighting style as he has won 12 fights by knockout and 15 by submission. A product of American Top Team, Kang trains with some of the best and most diverse fighters in the world.
Weaknesses: Kang has not had much success in the octagon after establishing himself overseas. His UFC debut was a submission loss to journeyman Alan Belcher, and Kang followed that with a lackluster decision win over Xavier Foupa-Pokam. Kang will be in hostile territory on Saturday as Bisping is fighting in his home country and the environment combined with his inexperience in the cage could be an issue.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision win over Xavier Foupa-Pokam at UFC 97 on April 18, 2009
Second round submission loss to Alan Belcher at UFC 93 on Jan. 17, 2009
First round TKO win over Marvin Eastman at Raw Combat on Oct. 25, 2008
First round KO win over Jae Young Kim at Spirit MC 18 on Aug. 31, 2008
First round submission loss to Gegard Mousasi at Dream 2 on April 29, 2008
Michael Bisping (17-2):
Strengths: Bisping is a tough Englishmen that likes to talk a good game and back it up. The only two losses in his career come against former UFC or Pride champions. Bisping has won 11 fights by knockout and only went to a decision three times in his career. Bisping has good striking and a respectable ground game on offense.
Weaknesses: Bisping has become a bit more of a tentative fighter in his recent bouts, looking to out-point his opponents as opposed to finish them. He stated as much following a decision win over Chris Leben and looked to have the same approach with Dan Henderson before getting knocked out for the first time in his career. Bisping has also struggled with defending takedowns, which caused his loss to Rashad Evans, and Bisping will also have to overcome the mental hurdle of returning to the octagon after getting knocked out. Many fighters have struggled following a knockout loss as they become afraid to exchange punches for fear of getting knocked out again. Bisping can’t let that happen, as his striking is his only way of winning.
Last Five Fights:
Second round KO loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009
Unanimous decision win over Chris Leben at UFC 89 on Oct. 18, 2008
First round TKO win over Jason Day at UFC 85 on June 7, 2008
First round TKO win over Charles McCarthy at UFC 83 on April 19, 2008
Who will win: This fight could be the most competitive fight of the night as both fighters need the win and both have comparable skills. Kang seems to be the more well-rounded fighter, but doesn’t have the same striking power at Bisping. For that reason, Kang will likely exchange early, but look to get the fight to the ground and test Bisping’s submission skills. Bisping has never really been tested by a submission fighter on the ground and Kang has the ability to finish him. Expect Kang to come out and disappoint the crowd with a third round stoppage win over Bisping.
Additional Line: Over/Under 9 minutes for fight length. Over (-125) and Under (-115)
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Posted: 11/13/09 10:29PM ET