Cheick Kongo Interview

Irish Whip Fighting recently spoke by email with UFC heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo. Kongo commented on everything including Mirko Cro Cop, the steroid controversy, and training with current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson. (Originally conducted for MMAMadness.com)

Irish Whip Fighting: What do you think about Randy Couture leaving the UFC?
Cheick Kongo: I have no idea. He’s a big man in the sport and we must respect his decision. I’m furious though because I can’t get a fight against him. He’s still a real man with a big heart.

IWF: How do you think that you would've matched up against him?
Kongo: It would’ve been a great and tough fight between two men in the Octagon.

IWF: You're 4-1 in the UFC. What do you attribute this success to?
Kongo: The success comes from all of my training partners: French Team, Bonnel Remy in Miami, The Rampage Camp, Juanito [Ibarra], Quinton Jackson, my family, and many more supporters.

IWF: Your one loss was a split decision to Carmelo Marrero. Did you think you won the fight and would you ever accept a rematch?
Kongo: Yes, I did win this fight and I don’t care now. I made this in really bad and unhealthy conditions. I don’t know if we will make the rematch, but he’s got no chance if he agrees.

IWF: People have said that your ground game needs work. How are you working to improve it?
Kongo: I got nothing to prove. All those who know me know I’m a great wrestler. I’m not BJJ but I’m great.

IWF: Do you think that the people who criticize you like this are justified?
Kongo: Nobody knows me like my training partners and my coach, so shut up! Hahaha!

IWF: What did beating Cro Cop do for your confidence as a fighter?
Kongo: I’m a fighter with a tougher mind and more quality of fighting. I’m not just a bag for people to strike.

IWF: Why do you think that PRIDE fighters are having such a tough time transitioning into the UFC? Is it the ring/cage factor, superior talent, or something else altogether?
Kongo: The truth is elsewhere.

IWF: Can you confirm the rumored fight between you and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira?
Kongo: I will confirm this when I got the contract signed…lol…be patient.

IWF: Where do you rank yourself among the heavyweights?
Kongo: Sincerely, I don’t know and I don’t care. I just want to take the UFC belt.

IWF: What's it like training with Rampage and Bisping?
Kongo: AWESOME!!! Nothing more…maybe amusing.

IWF: Did you see the Bisping-Hamill fight? What did you think of the scoring?
Kongo: You got the score. I have nothing more to say.

IWF: More and more fighters are getting caught with steroids lately. Why do fighters take them if they know they'll probably get caught?
Kongo: These kinds of fighters aren’t the real fighters or real men. This kind of product hurts their body and many fighters think that they can be better than their opponents [if they use steroids]. Bullshit…no guts, no glory.

IWF: Can you give us your opinion on the following fights and comment on each? Fedor vs. Couture?
Kongo: This would be an AWESOME fight, Couture is the winner.

IWF: Wanderlei vs. Chuck?
Kongo: STRIKING FORCE. Chuck is the winner.

IWF: Well thanks for taking the time to do this -- we really appreciate it.
Kongo: Thank you too.