Cheick Kongo Talks Bellator 107, Rampage vs Tito and the UFC vs Bellator
By Dave Carpinello
Former UFC heavyweight contender and now Bellator Heavyweight Tournament fighter Cheick Kongo returns to action tonight at Bellator MMA 107 as he faces Peter Graham. Kongo recently took some time before his fight to talk with PunchDrunkGamer about the upcoming fight, Rampage Jackson vs Tito Ortiz, mixed martial arts in France, moving from the UFC to Bellator and more!
PDG: First off, congrats on your win over Mark Godbeer at Bellator 102 in your promotional debut. Was it strange to be fighting for a different organization for the first time over seven years?
Cheick Kongo: Thank you very much. It wasn’t strange, but it was very exciting. I loved being a UFC fighter during all these years but the time had come to move on, with no regrets, no resentment. The UFC and I split on good terms and now that I am a Bellator fighter, I am very happy with my choice.
PDG: What differences have you noticed since moving to Bellator MMA from the UFC?
Cheick Kongo: Honestly, it is quite the same. Of course the Bellator organization is smaller because they are younger but they handle their business very seriously. The notable difference I have experienced is the totally opposite nature and personality of Bjorn Rebney and Dana White. Rebney is a very quiet and easy going person. This is refreshing. But don’t get me wrong, I like them both (laughing). I also fight more often in the Bellator and I like being busy this way.
PDG: What happened that ultimately lead to you moving from the UFC to Bellator?
Cheick Kongo: I am 38 years old, I have been fighting for more than 15 years now, so I think I was at a turning point of my life and my career. I really needed some change and some new challenges and Bellator offered me this opportunity. They offered me the chance to join a Heavyweight Tournament. If I win it, I will face their Champion. This is exactly what I wanted.
PDG: You were 11-6-1 during your time in the UFC, which one of your fights was the most memorable?
Cheick Kongo: I honestly don’t know, people keep on talking about the one against Pat Barry but personally I don’t have any favorite. I remember them all like it was yesterday. MMA is banned in my home country of France. I had to struggle more than anyone to be where I am now, at this top level, so I am very proud of all of my fights, win or loss, I like them all, not for the same reasons but they made me, they made the fighter and the man I am now.
PDG: Your next fight was scheduled for Bellator 106 in the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament Finals against Vinicius Spartan, how disappointed were you when you heard he had withdrawn due to injury?
Cheick Kongo: I felt very sorry for him, I know how much it hurts. I know he was devastated and probably suffering a lot from his ACL injury but he is a really nice but tough guy, I know he will be back stronger. I wished him a good recovery on Twitter and told him we’ll meet as soon as he could fight again.
PDG: Your fight at Bellator 107 against Peter Graham will be your second fight in just over a month, something completely different (2-3 fights a year) from your time in the UFC, what changes did you have to make to your training regime and is it exciting to be more active?
Cheick Kongo: Well, the main change I made was to move my training camp from Warrington (UK) to Mexico and I bring a new coach with me, Julien Quentin. I like being in a tournament, it reminds me so much my debuts in Muay Thai Boxing and I love this feeling, it’s like the good ol’ days.
PDG: Were you disappointed when you heard that the whole event (Bellator 106) had been moved from a pay-per-view to Spike TV following the cancellation of the main event between Rampage Jackson and Tito Ortiz?
Cheick Kongo: I was sad for Rampage, he is my brother and I know he trained very hard for this fight but I wasn’t disappointed. I was happy for the fans. Because of this, they could watch a very good event for free on Spike TV. And since my fight has been moved to the Main Card of Bellator 107, it is an amazing gift! The Bellator management trusts me and it means a lot to me.
PDG: How excited were you to see Rampage fight Tito? and do think that the fight will eventually happen?
Cheick Kongo: As I said before, I consider Rampage as my brother. So when he fights, I am more than happy and excited. I love to watch him fighting. And Tito is also a friend and a true legend in MMA, as much as Quinton. This fight will happen for sure. Fans have been waiting for it to happen and so have I.
PDG: If you would have fought and defeated Vinicius, you would have been in line to face the Bellator HW Champion Alexander Volkov. Do you think if you defeat Graham you will get a chance to fight him or will you have to wait for Vinicius to heal before you get a shot at the title?
Cheick Kongo: Vinicius is out for this tournament and his injury is very serious, it’s going to take some time to heal. That’s probably why Peter Graham took his place. So logically, the next step for me, if I defeat Graham tonight (and I will, trust me) is to fight Volkov for the title. This is what I think, I guess we will have to wait and see.
PDG: The Bellator HW division has certainly grown as of late, who do see as your biggest competition in the division?
Cheick Kongo: The Champion. Volkov has something that I want… the Bellator Heavyweight Belt. But before him, the one I see as my biggest competition is Graham. Right now, I am focused on him, and only him. He is my target. I am in war mode.
PDG: As per usual with our interviews, can you update us on the state of MMA in France, any news?
Cheick Kongo: Everything goes slowly, MMA is still banned and our new government doesn’t seem to be open-minded on this subject. But as always, I stay confident and I do my best to represent French MMA in my country and all around the world. I have also started a new “manager” career to help our fighters to compete in the best MMA organizations like Bellator. I’ll tell you more next time we’ll talk 🙂
PDG: Thanks again for your time and best of luck Friday night, is there anything else you wanted add?
Cheick Kongo: Thank you PDG! Of course I would like to thank my family, friends and fans for their support from day one! Hugo Boss, Bamboo Nutra and Legacy Wear, my official sponsors. Don’t miss my fight tonight, main fight of the Bellator 107, live on Spike TV!
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