UFC 137 Fight Card: Matt Mitirone vs. Cheick Kongo Breakdown and Prediction

In the co-main event of the evening at UFC 137, hard-hitting Cheick Kongo will square off with up-and-coming heavyweight Matt Mitrione.

Kongo enters on arguably the best stretch of his UFC career, not having lost a bout since December 2009.

After a heart breaking draw with Travis Browne at UFC 120, Kongo went on to face Pat Barry in what would eventually become the biggest victory of his career.

Despite being knocked down on two occasions in the first round, Kongo bounced back by landing a blow that sent Barry down for good.

Mitrione enters UFC 137 having never lost a fight in his mixed martial arts career.

"Meathead" Mitrione, a former NFL defensive end, has posted a perfect 5-0 record since entering the UFC by knocking out four of his five opponents.

While Mitrione has yet to be defeated, he hasn't faced an opponent with the skills of Kongo.

Kongo and Mitrione will enter the Octagon looking to make a statement early as both fighters are two of the hardest hitters in the heavyweight division.

Kongo will look to overwhelm Mitrione with his vicious kicks, as he's yet to be fully tested standing up.

Fortunately for Mitrione, Kongo doesn't demonstrate an overwhelming threat in the submission game, as only three of his 24 career fights have ended via tap out.

But, fans shouldn't be surprised if "The Darkness" attempts to expose Mitrione's inexperience.

Mitrione will try to avoid Kongo's Muay Thai clinch at all costs by keeping his distance early in the fight.

While this fight has potential to be one of the more exciting of the evening, don't be surprised if both fighters circle the Octagon the first few minutes trying to feel one another.

Surprisingly enough, neither Kongo or Mitrione demonstrates exceptional takedown skills as they've both been taken down by their previous opponents.

And, while this fight certainly won't make the judge's scorecards, it has potential to make it out of Round 1.

Even though Mitrione has yet to be fully tested, his vicious striking may be too much for Kongo's glass chin to handle.

Prediction: Mitrione by Round 2 TKO