Cheick Kongo Update!
By Dave Carpinello



Fresh off his first round TKO of Dan Evenson at UFC 87, Cheick Kongo took some time to update PDG on his condition, training and future opponents.

PDG: How are you feeling after your impressive first round KO of Dan Evenson?
Kongo: I feel good! I am calm and smiling, as usual, thanks for asking, Dave!

PDG: Did you notice anything in the fight that you need more work on? Are you working more jiu-jitsu and submissions?
Kongo: Not more. I am trying to improve everything: Every day I train sparring and grappling, just like I train kickboxing and muay-thai boxing daily.

PDG: How long will you take off before you start training again?
Kongo: I have already been back training for a week!

PDG: Brock Lesnar also was victorious on that same night; what do you think about a potential match-up with him?
Kongo: Lesnar is of impressive size and strength; it should be interesting for me to fight him.

PDG: Who do you see as your most dangerous opponent in the UFC Heavyweight division?
Kongo: All the UFC Heavyweight fighters are potentially dangerous. But I’m not scared at all. I train hard to be prepared to fight each of them.

PDG: You have been training with Quinton Jackson and Juanito Ibarra for over a year; what does their split mean for your training camp?
Kongo: Coach is my trainer and Quinton is my brother. I really don't want to comment on it, sorry but next question.

PDG: Rob Kamen - K-1 Legend; you guys have been in contact recently. Are you going to be working with him and what do you know of his career?
Kongo: As the French proverb says « la curiosité est un vilain défaut ». Yes we met, but I can’t tell you anything about what we talked about.

PDG: Outside of fighting....How did you celebrate your victory at UFC 87?
Kongo: I did nothing special! Believe me or not, I just walked the Minneapolis streets with my friends, nothing else!

PDG: Do you play any video games?
Kongo: Yes, I have both the PS3 and the XBOX360.

PDG: What are your favorite games?
Kongo: Tekken, Metal Gear Solid and Rainbow Six Vegas!

PDG: Since the last time we talked has there been any change with the mixed martial arts movement in France?
Kongo: Nothing has changed! I keep on working with my French fighting partners for the best French MMA future! Fortunately, some fighters have earned their chance to fight outside our native country, in the UFC. Like Jess Liaudin, David Baron and Sammy Schiavo. I'm really proud and glad for them. I hope that the fans enjoy their "French Touch" at UFC 89 where they’re all going to fight.

PDG: Thanks again, is there anything else that you would like to add or tell your fans?
Kongo: Yes, of course, I would like to thank you Dave and PunchDrunkGamer.com for your honesty and professionalism; all my fans, friends, partners and family for the love and support they have showed me from day one: I feel how much I am in their hearts, I'm already a champion and this makes me become better and better every day. And then, a little message to the haters: keep going ahead and hate, the more you hate me the more I get stronger.