Cheick Kongo vs Shawn Jordan: Final Prediction

On tonight's UFC 149 main card, two heavyweights will square off in a key matchup, as Shawn Jordan meets Cheick Kongo. Both men will be looking to move one step closer to the top of the division.

In terms of a striking matchup, both men are extremely powerful with their hands.

Jordan (13-3) has earned nine knockouts in his career, including his UFC debut against Oli Thompson. The Strikeforce, Bellator and UFC veteran also showed further improvement in the bout, using vicious knees to put away the Brit.

Kongo (17-7-2) is a brutal kickboxer in his own right. He has put away 10 opponents by way of knockout, including in UFC bouts against Pat Barry, Antony Hardonk and Mustapha al-Turk. Kongo has powerful hands, jaw-rattling knees and good kicks.

The striking is somewhat close, but one has to give the advantage to Kongo. He is a kickboxing machine and has thrown leather with the best of them.

In terms of wrestling and grappling, both men use this as their secondary weapon.

Kongo has strong takedowns, which he uses to set up his deadly ground-and-pound. He also uses his power and strength in the clinch game, where he will handle opponents and brutalize them.

Jordan, a former fullback for Louisiana State University, is also solid in the clinch. He has decent submission ability, but will probably not be able to handle the wrestling attack Kongo holds.

In terms of how the fight will go, expect some powerful exchanges. Once Kongo realizes he can end the fight with his ground-and-pound, he will score a takedown and rain down bricks. Expect a stoppage in under 10 minutes.

Prediction: Kongo def. Jordan via knockout