Showdown can't wait for Canadian Denis Kang's octagon debut.
I'm counting down the days for when Canadian Denis Kang (31-10-1) makes his octagon debut at UFC 93 in Ireland. But even before Kang steps foot into the cage, it appears I have a Christmas gift coming from Japan, which will make my 2008 one of the best years I have ever experienced in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. To say I am excited about these two upcoming fights would be an understatement, but then again, if anyone has ever been around me in person while watching fights, I often forget to breathe.
On January 17th, Kang will be taking on Alan "The Talent" Belcher (13-5), in a middleweight battle to test out where the Canadian (born to Korean and French parents) fits amongst the 185 lbs class in the UFC. In Alan Belcher, Kang will be taking on a fighter who is no push over and loves to stand and bang. This was evidenced in his bouts vs. Canadian Kalib Starnes, as well as his most recent tussle against Ed Herman. In both those bouts, Belcher showcased is Muay Thai skills and launched a variety of thunderous leg kicks while mixing in some great boxing combinations.
Belcher’s ground game is no joke either but it doesn’t compare to his standup. He also appears to have raised his commitment to training and in preparing for his bouts. Look for an even more improved Belcher at UFC 93, but the same can also be said for Denis Kang.
We’ve all heard about the UFC rookie jinx, but I highly doubt Kang will succumb to this pressure. He’s been there and done that and has already experienced this type of pressure. He is a huge star in Korea, has fought in front of thousands of people on multiple occasions in the orient. Many of these events have had larger media coverage that what a UFC event does, so sticking a microphone and camera in his face will not faze him; radio and magazine interviews? It’s all part of the job for Kang.
His training camp may consist of a variety of names like Georges St-Pierre, David Loiseau, Nate Marquardt, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine and Thiago Alves. Whether he’s in Montreal with GSP, in New Mexico with Team Greg Jackson or at American Top Team in Florida, Kang will be primed and well oiled for whatever Belcher brings to the cage. Kang brings knockout power in his fists, elbows and legs, as well as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to keep Belcher guessing as to which submission he will need to defend at any given time.
Watching Kang fight is a thing of beauty. He meshes all facets of the different ranges within MMA, and blends them effortlessly to finish a fight. It does not matter who is opponent is or where the fight goes, Kang is well trained in everything. If you have not seen Kang fight before, do some homework and search for his fights online. He is the real deal at 185 lbs. If you recall, it was Dana White who told me at UFC 91 that Kang was an original cast member of The Ultimate Fighter One, but chose other options instead (i.e. Korea, Japan, Pride, etc.)
Speaking of Japan, it appears my MMA Christmas Gift is just about wrapped up and will be under my tree within the next week. Word coming out of the Land of the Rising Sun is that Shinya Aoki (18-3) and Eddie Alvarez (15-1) are slated to do battle for K-1 on Dec. 31. With all due respect to EVERY FIGHTER on the UFC roster, this fight has more meaning for true and hardcore MMA fans than perhaps anything that has happened in the octagon this year.
Aoki and Alvarez were supposed to meet in the finals of the Dream 5 Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 tournament, but due to injury, Alvarez had to pull out. Alternate stud, Joachim Hansen (19-7-1) stepped in to replace Alvarez and subsequently defeated Aoki by TKO in Round 1. Hansen was defeated by Alvarez in the semi-finals in what will most likely be voted as fight of the year for 2008. This MMA triangle has had its fair share of press overseas, with Hansen calling out Alvarez for a rematch, just to solidify his victory of the Grand Prix tournament. Alvarez has obliged, but in the meantime, wants to take out Aoki so as to clear out the unfinished business that was supposed to be the true finals for the Dream tournament.
This is a marquee battle of two of the top lightweights in the world (who, unfortunately, are not in the UFC) and like Dana White said about GSP-Penn, are in their prime and is the type of fight that boxing has steered away from. In Aoki, picture the submission skills of Dustin Hazelett with the calmness of Dan Henderson or Anderson Silva prior to launching an attack. Like Hazelett, Aoki is able to pull of dream submissions on elite fighters that one generally reserves for sparring in training or showing off while teaching a seminar. It is simply magical to watch him perform, especially with his multi-colored, fluorescent, full legged, cycling pants he is known for, no doubt used to assist in controlling his opponents while looking to lock in a submission.
As for Alvarez, he reminds me of a smaller version of Kang. He reminds me of an aggressive St-Pierre with the ruthless, yet technical assault of a Marquardt. His punching power is legendary. He can take piles of abuse, similar to what we saw in the world of boxing with Arturo Gatti. His submission defense is borderline astonishing. He simply gets out of everything. Against Hansen, the fight should have ended on numerous occasions, but Alvarez was able to survive time and time again. When he attacks, picture Vanderlai Silva in fifth gear; it’s ruthless.
Both of these two fighters could come into the UFC and most likely be top contenders. I'd go out on a limb and say Alvarez could easily be #2, behind BJ Penn and ahead of Florian and Sherk. Aoki could be #4 or #5, behind Sherk and Florian, but right there in the mix with both of them. Alvarez and Aoki are that good, and like I said about Kang, do your homework and search for their fights online. It will not be a waste of your time, and I am confident that you will be pleasantly surprised.
