Fighter Profile: Cheick Kongo

Overall Record: 14-6-1

UFC Record: 7-4

Hometown: Paris, France

Height: 6’4” Weight: 245

Age: 34

Cheick Kongo is a former kick-boxer turned mixed martial artist who fights in the heavyweight division for the UFC. He is a muay-thai specialist that trains in England under the Wolfslair MMA Academy banner with notable UFC fighters – Michael Bisping and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. He is trained at the Wolfslair by Jean Meliani.

Kongo began his MMA career nearly eight years ago fighting almost exclusively in Holland as part of the Rings – Holland, and It’s Showtime events. From 2001 through 2005 he churned out a 5-1 record in the Rings – Holland promotion, only losing a decision to Rodney Glunder in his third professional bout.

Also in Holland, Kongo participated in the It’s Showtime promotion for almost one full year. He competed in three bouts posting a mediocre 1-1-1 record. His loss was to MMA journeyman – Gilbert Yvel in May of 2004, the first TKO of his young career.

Before making the jump into “big-time” MMA, Kongo made one last pit-stop at the Croatian-based King of the Ring promotion. At KOTR in June of 2005 he matched up against Gabor Nemeth. He went back and forth with the Hungarian KO-artist for two rounds before connecting flush and knocking him out.

After posting a 7-2-1 record, Kongo’s next logical step was the major league MMA circuit. The UFC complied by signing the 6’4” – 245 lbs. striker to a July 2006 fight against the late Gilbert Aldana at UFC 61. He blasted Aldana for the majority of the 1st round until the 4:13 mark when the ringside doctor halted the heavyweight tilt due to facial injuries sustained by Aldana.

Kongo wasted little time getting back in the ring after his UFC debut appearing on the very next card in August 2006 at UFC 62. Kongo welcomed a debuting Christian Wellisch to the octagon in impressive fashion when he used his knee to record his second UFC win. At UFC 64 two months later Kongo was upset by a battle-tested Carmelo Marrero, losing by a split decision, and suffering his first UFC loss.

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Two consecutive decision victories followed his loss putting the Parisian back on track. At UFC 70 he was taken all three rounds by Assueiro Silva, squeaking out a majority decision win. In September 2007 at UFC 75 Kongo recorded arguably his biggest UFC win by dominating Mirko Filipovic and earning a unanimous decision victory. The upset-win over “Cro-Cop” brought his UFC record to 4-1.

Many believed at UFC 82 a win against “The Texas Crazy-Horse” Heath Herring would place Kongo in the UFC’s heavyweight title match. After going back and forth with a willing Herring, Kongo proved that he was not at the top of his game by losing a close split decision. The loss put Kongo back at ground zero in his quest for the heavyweight title.

Needing a win to put life back into his UFC career, Kongo next appeared on the UFC 87 card in August 2008 against BoDog Fight veteran – Dan Evensen. The fight was never in doubt, Evensen didn’t land one significant strike or takedown on Kongo. Kongo finally finished Evensen at the 4:55 mark of the 1st round.

Kongo continued his climb back up the divisional ladder with another impressive TKO win in his next fight at UFC 92 in December 2008 against Mustapha al Turk. The win over al Turk set up another main card showdown at UFC 97 against fellow striking specialist Antoni Hardonk. Hardonk was also riding the strength of a two-fight win streak and knocking on the door of the heavyweight elite status. Kongo was quicker, stronger and better defensively against the Dutch kick-boxer. He dumped Hardonk midway through the 2nd round with his third straight TKO.

Riding the momentum of a three-fight win streak and a 7-2 overall UFC record, Kongo will next face former Arizona State wrestler, Cain Velasquez, at UFC 99. UFC 99 takes place in Germany at the Lanxess Arena on Saturday June 13th.

Once again, the Frenchman is at a crossroads in his career with the organization. At 34 years old, Kongo has his best chance to take advantage of his position. With a loss he may not have enough time to climb back up the division, especially with the organization signing talented heavyweights seemingly every week. However, with a win Kongo’s time is now.

Recent Cheick Kongo MMA News:

• Lost to Frank Mir via Submission at UFC 107 on December 12, 2009 - UFC 107 results

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
Published June 2009

Photo courtesy of UFC