Sources close to Cheick Kongo have confirmed with MMAFightline.com that Kongo has been offered a fight with Heath Herring at UFC 82 and will accept.

The fight agreements have yet to be signed but can be viewed as a mere formality at this point. Look for this fight to be officially announced within the next week or two.

Kongo (11-3) has mowed through the UFC's heavyweight division, culminating in a decisive decision victory over Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in his last fight at UFC 75. Kongo looks to jump into contention for a title shot against a very game Heath Herring who recently dropped Antonio Noguiera with a first round leg kick before losing a unanimous decision to the Brazilian star at UFC 73.