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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{short description|French mixed martial artist}}
{{short description|French mixed martial artist}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Cheick Kongo
| name = Cheick Kongo
| image =Cheick Kongo.jpg
| image =Cheick Kongo.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200px
| caption =Image of Cheick Kongo
| caption =
| nickname =
| nickname =
| nationality = French
| nationality =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|05|17}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|05|17}}
| birth_place = [[Paris]], France
| birth_place = [[Paris]], France
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| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach_in =
| reach_in =
| style = [[Kickboxing]], [[Muay Thai]]
| style = [[Kickboxing]] [[Karate]] [[Muay Thai]] [[Boxing]] [[Greco-Roman Wrestling]] [[Kendo]] [[Pencak Silat]] [[Savate]] [[Shootfighting]]
| rank = Black Belt in [[Karate]]<br> Black Belt in [[Kendo]]<br> Brown Belt in [[Silat]]
| rank = Black belt in [[Karate]]<br> Black belt in [[Kendo]]<br> Brown belt in [[Pencak Silat]] [[Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate]]
| stance = Orthodox
| stance = Orthodox
| team = Kongo Smashin' Club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kongosmashinclub.com/|title=Kongo Smashin' Club|access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref><br> Wolfslair MMA Academy <br> Huntington Beach Training Center
| team = Kongo Smashin' Club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kongosmashinclub.com/|title=Kongo Smashin' Club|access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref><br> Wolfslair MMA Academy <br> Huntington Beach Training Center
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|height=6 ft 4 in|reach=81 in|weight=242 lb}}
|height=6 ft 4 in|reach=81 in|weight=242 lb}}


'''Cheick Kongo''' is a French [[mixed martial artist]] and former [[kickboxer]] who fights in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] division of [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]]. A professional MMA competitor since 2001, he has also competed for the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]].
'''Cheick Kongo''' (born May 17, 1975) is a French [[mixed martial artist]] and former [[kickboxer]] who fights in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] division. A professional MMA competitor since 2001, he has also competed for the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] and [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Born to a [[Burkina Faso|Burkinabé]] father and a [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] mother, Kongo began training in martial arts when he was 5 years old, learning [[Kendo]] and [[Karate]]. As he grew older, he had already received a black belt in both styles and began to expand his repertoire and trained in [[Boxing]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Savate]], [[Wrestling]] and [[Shooto]] at age of 19 and at age 23, [[Silat]], an Indonesian martial art. He was coached by Charles Joussot and Franck Ropers, the men who brought Silat to France.<ref>[http://www.team-kongo.over-blog.com/pages/English-1552540.html English – Cheick Kongo]. Team-kongo.over-blog.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.</ref> He is also a cousin of rugby star [[Fulgence Ouedraogo]], the French back-rower. Cheick is also a columnist for the French MMA magazine, Top Fight.
Born to a [[Burkina Faso|Burkinabé]] father and a [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] mother, Kongo began training in martial arts when he was 5 years old, learning [[Kendo]] and [[Karate]]. As he grew older, he had already received a black belt in both styles and began to expand his repertoire and trained in [[Boxing]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Savate]], and [[Greco Roman Wrestling]] at the age of 19. At the age of 23 he learned [[Pencak Silat]] Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate under the tutelage of Charles Joussoat and Franck Ropers, who learned it from C. N. Hardjono Turpijn, the pioneer of Pencak Silat PSHT in Europe.<ref>[http://www.team-kongo.over-blog.com/pages/English-1552540.html English – Cheick Kongo]. Team-kongo.over-blog.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.</ref><ref>[https://www.malangtimes.com/baca/84094/20220923/212500/silat-psht-tersohor-di-dunia-berkat-franck-ropers-pendekar-prancis-yang-miliki-ribuan-murid Silat PSHT Tersohor di Dunia Berkat Franck Ropers, Pendekar Prancis yang Miliki Ribuan Murid]. Malangtimes. Retrieved August 17, 2024.</ref> Kongo was interducted to [[Shootfighting]] through [[Bas Rutten]] at age 25, and started his career in mixed martial arts in 2001. He is also a cousin of rugby star [[Fulgence Ouedraogo]], the French back-rower. Cheick is also a columnist for the French MMA magazine, Top Fight.


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
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===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
Kongo entered the UFC to fight Gilbert Aldana at ''[[UFC 61]]'', whom he beat by TKO due to a doctor stoppage. Kongo followed up with a win over UFC newcomer [[Christian Wellisch]] by KO due to a knee strike, before losing to UFC newcomer [[Carmelo Marrero]] at ''[[UFC 64]]''. Then, Kongo defeated [[Assuerio Silva]] by majority decision at ''[[UFC 70]]''.
Kongo entered the UFC to fight Gilbert Aldana at ''[[UFC 61]]'', whom he beat by TKO due to a doctor stoppage. Kongo followed up with a win over UFC newcomer [[Christian Wellisch]] by KO due to a knee strike, before losing to UFC newcomer [[Carmelo Marrero]] at ''[[UFC 64]]''. Then, Kongo defeated [[Assuério Silva]] by majority decision at ''[[UFC 70]]''.


At ''[[UFC 75]]'' on September 8, 2007, he defeated [[Mirko Cro Cop]] by unanimous decision. Though there was controversy as Kongo kneed Cro Cop in the groin several times without having any points deducted, inspiring American MMA fans to give Kongo the nickname "[[Jockstrap#Protective cup|Cup]] Cheick".
At ''[[UFC 75]]'' on September 8, 2007, he defeated [[Mirko Cro Cop]] by unanimous decision. Though there was controversy as Kongo kneed Cro Cop in the groin several times without having any points deducted, inspiring American MMA fans to give Kongo the nickname "[[Jockstrap#Protective cup|Cup]] Cheick".
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He fought against [[Heath Herring]] at ''[[UFC 82]]'', losing by split decision. At ''[[UFC 87]]'' he fought against UFC newcomer [[Dan Evensen|Dan "The Viking" Evensen]], whom he defeated by first-round TKO.
He fought against [[Heath Herring]] at ''[[UFC 82]]'', losing by split decision. At ''[[UFC 87]]'' he fought against UFC newcomer [[Dan Evensen|Dan "The Viking" Evensen]], whom he defeated by first-round TKO.


Kongo fought at [[UFC 92]] on December 27, 2008, where he beat former [[Cage Rage]] British Heavyweight champion Mustapha al-Turk by TKO. Kongo dropped Al Turk with two right hands. Then fired on a vicious ground and pound attack, Kongo pounced on al-Turk with elbows and punches, opening up a big cut above the eye.<ref name="sherdog.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-92-PlaybyPlay-15600|title=UFC 92 Play-by-Play|website=Sherdog}}</ref> Referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight after 4:37 of the first round.<ref name="sherdog.com" />
Kongo fought at [[UFC 92]] on December 27, 2008, where he beat former [[Cage Rage]] British Heavyweight champion Mustapha al-Turk by TKO. Kongo dropped Al Turk with two right hands. Then fired on a vicious ground and pound attack, Kongo pounced on al-Turk with elbows and punches, opening up a big cut above the eye.<ref name="sherdog.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-92-PlaybyPlay-15600|title=UFC 92 Play-by-Play|website=Sherdog}}</ref> Referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight after 4:37 of the first round.<ref name="sherdog.com" />


In his next fight he then defeated [[Antoni Hardonk]] at [[UFC 97]]<ref>[http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/ufc-97-cheick-kongo-antoni-hardonk-liddell-shogun-silva-leite/ The Huffington Post – UK News and Opinion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514065630/http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/ufc-97-cheick-kongo-antoni-hardonk-liddell-shogun-silva-leite |date=May 14, 2009 }}. Mma.fanhouse.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.</ref> by second-round TKO.
In his next fight he defeated [[Antoni Hardonk]] at [[UFC 97]] by second-round TKO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=2009-04-18 |title=UFC 97: Big Win for Cheick Kongo Over Antoni Hardonk |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2009/04/18/ufc-97-cheick-kongo-climbs-heavyweight-ladder-tkos-antoni-hard |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref>


Kongo replaced Heath Herring on three weeks notice at [[UFC 99]] to face the up-and-coming [[Cain Velasquez]] in the co-main event. Kongo lost to Velasquez by unanimous decision in a one-sided affair. He did however, manage to drop Velasquez on two occasions with straight punches. It had been rumoured that if he was to defeat Velasquez, Kongo would earn a title shot against the winner of the [[UFC 100]] Heavyweight Championship between [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Frank Mir]]. Mir lost his bout against Lesnar and actually ended up fighting Kongo at [[UFC 107]]. During the pre-fight talk, Mir stated that Kongo had no ground game, so at the weigh ins Cheick Kongo turned his back to Mir, to be disrespectful. Mir won the fight by a submission. After connecting with a left overhand punch that dropped Kongo, Mir finished him with a guillotine choke, rendering Kongo unconscious just 72 seconds into the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Penn-Dominates-Finishes-Sanchez-at-UFC-107-21501 |title=Penn Dominates, Finishes Sanchez at UFC 107 |access-date=April 12, 2010 |publisher=SHERDOG.com |date=December 12, 2009}}</ref>
Kongo replaced Heath Herring on three weeks notice at [[UFC 99]] to face the up-and-coming [[Cain Velasquez]] in the co-main event. Kongo lost to Velasquez by unanimous decision in a one-sided affair. He did however, manage to drop Velasquez on two occasions with straight punches. It had been rumoured that if he was to defeat Velasquez, Kongo would earn a title shot against the winner of the [[UFC 100]] Heavyweight Championship between [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Frank Mir]]. Mir lost his bout against Lesnar and actually ended up fighting Kongo at [[UFC 107]]. During the pre-fight talk, Mir stated that Kongo had no ground game, so at the weigh ins Cheick Kongo turned his back to Mir, to be disrespectful. Mir won the fight by a submission. After connecting with a left overhand punch that dropped Kongo, Mir finished him with a guillotine choke, rendering Kongo unconscious just 72 seconds into the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Penn-Dominates-Finishes-Sanchez-at-UFC-107-21501 |title=Penn Dominates, Finishes Sanchez at UFC 107 |access-date=April 12, 2010 |publisher=SHERDOG.com |date=December 12, 2009}}</ref>
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Kongo defeated [[Paul Buentello]] on March 21, 2010, at [[UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones]] by submission due to elbows.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/1/18/1257523/cheick-kongo-vs-paul-buentello |title=Cheick Kongo vs Paul Buentello booked for UFC on Versus 1 |publisher=mmamania.com |access-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref>
Kongo defeated [[Paul Buentello]] on March 21, 2010, at [[UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones]] by submission due to elbows.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/1/18/1257523/cheick-kongo-vs-paul-buentello |title=Cheick Kongo vs Paul Buentello booked for UFC on Versus 1 |publisher=mmamania.com |access-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref>


Kongo was expected to face [[The Ultimate Fighter 10]] winner [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] on July 3, 2010, at [[UFC 116]] but a back injury to Kongo has caused the cancellation of the fight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716:cheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50:ufc-news&Itemid=122/ |title=Cheick Kongo: injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup nor UFC 116 return |access-date=May 2, 2010 |publisher=RIDDUM.com |date=May 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715183843/http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716%3Acheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50%3Aufc-news&Itemid=122%2F# |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Kongo would end up fighting Nelson almost 3 years later at [[UFC 159]].
Kongo was expected to face [[The Ultimate Fighter 10]] winner [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] on July 3, 2010, at [[UFC 116]] but a back injury to Kongo has caused the cancellation of the fight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716:cheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50:ufc-news&Itemid=122/ |title=Cheick Kongo: injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup nor UFC 116 return |access-date=May 2, 2010 |publisher=RIDDUM.com |date=May 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715183843/http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716%3Acheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50%3Aufc-news&Itemid=122%2F |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


Kongo's next fight was against undefeated [[Travis Browne]] at [[UFC 120]].<ref>Marrocco, Steven. (July 2, 2010) [http://mmajunkie.com/news/19790/heavyweights-cheick-kongo-vs-travis-browne-targeted-for-ufc-120.mma Heavyweights Cheick Kongo vs. Travis Browne targeted for UFC 120] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705005932/http://mmajunkie.com/news/19790/heavyweights-cheick-kongo-vs-travis-browne-targeted-for-ufc-120.mma |date=July 5, 2010 }}. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.</ref> They fought to a unanimous draw. Kongo repeatedly grabbed Browne's shorts and had 1 point deducted in the final round.
Kongo's next fight was against undefeated [[Travis Browne]] at [[UFC 120]].<ref>Marrocco, Steven. (July 2, 2010) [http://mmajunkie.com/news/19790/heavyweights-cheick-kongo-vs-travis-browne-targeted-for-ufc-120.mma Heavyweights Cheick Kongo vs. Travis Browne targeted for UFC 120] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705005932/http://mmajunkie.com/news/19790/heavyweights-cheick-kongo-vs-travis-browne-targeted-for-ufc-120.mma |date=July 5, 2010 }}. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.</ref> They fought to a unanimous draw. Kongo repeatedly grabbed Browne's shorts and had 1 point deducted in the final round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-17 |title=Browne gasses; Kongo loses point and fights himself into a draw at UFC 120 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/browne-gasses-kongo-loses-point-fights-himself-draw--mma.html |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>


Kongo fought [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] on June 26, 2011, at [[UFC on Versus 4]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22827/pat-barry-vs-cheick-kongo-on-tap-for-ufc-on-versus-4-in-june.mma |title=Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo on tap for UFC on Versus 4 in June |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=March 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712100300/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22827/pat-barry-vs-cheick-kongo-on-tap-for-ufc-on-versus-4-in-june.mma |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> His fight against Barry became the main event since [[Nate Marquardt]] was not medically cleared for his welterweight debut against [[Rick Story]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/6/25/2244264/nate-marquardt-released-from-ufc-cut-scratched-ufc-on-versus-4-live|title=Nate Marquardt Scratched From "UFC On Versus," Released From UFC |access-date=June 25, 2011 |publisher=SB Nation |date=June 25, 2011}}</ref> During the bout Kongo was dropped by a looping right hand. Visibly rocked, Kongo got back to his feet but was dropped again seconds later by another hard punch. Despite being dropped twice, Kongo was able to knock Barry out with a hard overhand right to the ear, followed by an uppercut to the chin to secure a win midway through the first round.
Kongo fought [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] on June 26, 2011, at [[UFC on Versus 4]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22827/pat-barry-vs-cheick-kongo-on-tap-for-ufc-on-versus-4-in-june.mma |title=Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo on tap for UFC on Versus 4 in June |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=March 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712100300/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22827/pat-barry-vs-cheick-kongo-on-tap-for-ufc-on-versus-4-in-june.mma |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> His fight against Barry became the main event since [[Nate Marquardt]] was not medically cleared for his welterweight debut against [[Rick Story]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/6/25/2244264/nate-marquardt-released-from-ufc-cut-scratched-ufc-on-versus-4-live|title=Nate Marquardt Scratched From "UFC On Versus," Released From UFC |access-date=June 25, 2011 |publisher=SB Nation |date=June 25, 2011}}</ref> During the bout Kongo was dropped by a looping right hand. Visibly rocked, Kongo got back to his feet but was dropped again seconds later by another hard punch. Despite being dropped twice, Kongo was able to knock Barry out with a hard overhand right to the ear, followed by an uppercut to the chin to secure a win midway through the first round. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Barr |first=Andrew |title=UFC Results: Cheick Kongo Pulls off Epic Comeback, Knocks out Pat Barry |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/749272-ufc-results-cheick-kongo-pulls-off-epic-comeback-knocks-out-pat-barry |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>


Kongo faced [[Matt Mitrione]] on October 29, 2011, at [[UFC 137]]. He won the fight via unanimous decision by utilizing his reach with his jab and securing multiple takedowns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/7/14/2276315/ufc-137-cheick-kongo-vs-matt-mitrione-fight-booked-for-oct-29-in-las |title=UFC 137: Cheick Kongo vs Matt Mitrione fight booked for Oct. 29 in Las Vegas |publisher=mmamania.com |date=July 14, 2011}}</ref>
Kongo faced [[Matt Mitrione]] on October 29, 2011, at [[UFC 137]]. He won the fight via unanimous decision by utilizing his reach with his jab and securing multiple takedowns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/7/14/2276315/ufc-137-cheick-kongo-vs-matt-mitrione-fight-booked-for-oct-29-in-las |title=UFC 137: Cheick Kongo vs Matt Mitrione fight booked for Oct. 29 in Las Vegas |publisher=mmamania.com |date=July 14, 2011}}</ref>


Kongo faced [[Mark Hunt]] on February 26, 2012, at [[UFC 144]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/chieck-kongo-vs-mark-hunt-verbally-agreed-to-ufc-144-in-japan|title=Chieck Kongo vs. Mark Hunt Verbally Agreed to for UFC 144 in Japan |publisher=mmaweekly.com |date=November 20, 2011}}</ref> He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Kongo faced [[Mark Hunt]] on February 26, 2012, at [[UFC 144]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/chieck-kongo-vs-mark-hunt-verbally-agreed-to-ufc-144-in-japan|title=Chieck Kongo vs. Mark Hunt Verbally Agreed to for UFC 144 in Japan |publisher=mmaweekly.com |date=November 20, 2011}}</ref> He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=2012-02-26 |title=UFC 144 Results: Mark Hunt Knocks Out Cheick Kongo |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/2/26/2825152/ufc-144-results-mark-hunt-knocks-out-cheick-kongo |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref>


Kongo was expected to face [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]] on July 21, 2012, at [[2012 in UFC#UFC 149: Faber vs. Barão|UFC 149]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28419/cheick-kongo-vs-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-added-to-ufc-149-in-calgary.mma| title=Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira added to UFC 149 in Calgary |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=April 24, 2012}}</ref> However, Nogueira pulled out of the bout, citing that an arm injury sustained in his last bout against [[Frank Mir]] had not healed enough to resume the proper training and was replaced by [[Shawn Jordan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/29228/shawn-jordan-replaces-big-nog-meets-cheick-kongo-at-ufc-149-in-toronto.mma|title=Shawn Jordan replaces 'Big Nog,' meets Cheick Kongo at UFC 149|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619053237/http://mmajunkie.com/news/29228/shawn-jordan-replaces-big-nog-meets-cheick-kongo-at-ufc-149-in-toronto.mma|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kongo defeated Jordan via unanimous decision.
Kongo was expected to face [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]] on July 21, 2012, at [[2012 in UFC#UFC 149: Faber vs. Barão|UFC 149]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28419/cheick-kongo-vs-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-added-to-ufc-149-in-calgary.mma| title=Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira added to UFC 149 in Calgary |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=April 24, 2012}}</ref> However, Nogueira pulled out of the bout, citing that an arm injury sustained in his last bout against [[Frank Mir]] had not healed enough to resume the proper training and was replaced by [[Shawn Jordan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/29228/shawn-jordan-replaces-big-nog-meets-cheick-kongo-at-ufc-149-in-toronto.mma|title=Shawn Jordan replaces 'Big Nog,' meets Cheick Kongo at UFC 149|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619053237/http://mmajunkie.com/news/29228/shawn-jordan-replaces-big-nog-meets-cheick-kongo-at-ufc-149-in-toronto.mma|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kongo defeated Jordan via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Andrew |title=UFC 149 Results: Cheick Kongo Defeats Shawn Jordan Via Unanimous Decision |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267565-ufc-149-results-cheick-kongo-defeats-shawn-jordan-via-unanimous-decision |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>


Kongo finally faced [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] on April 27, 2013, at [[UFC 159]], a bout that was supposed to happen almost 3 years before at UFC 116.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/davis-vs-magalhaes-kongo-vs-nelson-added-to-ufc-159|title=Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159|publisher=mmajunkie.com| date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. After his loss to Nelson, Kongo's UFC contract expired and he was released from the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/ufc-releases-veteran-heavyweight-cheick-kongo-after-ufc-159-loss|title=Cheick Kongo fulfills contract, UFC not planning to re-sign him|author=MMAjunkie.com Staff|date=May 1, 2013|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}</ref>
Kongo faced [[Roy Nelson (fighter)|Roy Nelson]] on April 27, 2013, at [[UFC 159]], they were supposed to meet before at UFC 116.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/davis-vs-magalhaes-kongo-vs-nelson-added-to-ufc-159|title=Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159|publisher=mmajunkie.com| date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. After his loss to Nelson, Kongo's UFC contract expired and he was released from the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/ufc-releases-veteran-heavyweight-cheick-kongo-after-ufc-159-loss|title=Cheick Kongo fulfills contract, UFC not planning to re-sign him|author=MMAjunkie.com Staff|date=May 1, 2013|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}</ref>


Before UFC 159 the UFC offered Kongo a four-fight deal, which he turned down. Kongo left the UFC with a 11-6-1 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/update-kongo-leaves-ufc-on-own-terms-will-continue-fighting-outside-the-octagon/|title=Kongo leaves UFC on own terms will continue fighting outside the octagon|publisher=bjpenn.com|date=May 1, 2013}}</ref>
Before UFC 159 the UFC offered Kongo a four-fight deal, which he turned down. Kongo left the UFC with a 11-6-1 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/update-kongo-leaves-ufc-on-own-terms-will-continue-fighting-outside-the-octagon/|title=Kongo leaves UFC on own terms will continue fighting outside the octagon|publisher=bjpenn.com|date=May 1, 2013}}</ref>


On May 4, 2013 Kongo stated that he is on good terms with the UFC and was quoted saying: "Don't believe he said-she said stories. I have not been cut by the UFC. I am Cheick Kongo so I know best what's next for me. It doesn't mean that I am leaving the UFC, it doesn't mean that I am staying – it means this is my life." Kongo has stated that he is open to the possibility of resigning a contract with the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/cheick-kongo-issues-statement-on-potential-to-resign-with-ufc |title=Cheick Kongo issues statement on potential to re-sign with UFC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629214251/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/cheick-kongo-issues-statement-on-potential-to-resign-with-ufc |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=October 26, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref>
On May 4, 2013, Kongo stated that he is on good terms with the UFC and was quoted saying: "Don't believe he said-she said stories. I have not been cut by the UFC. I am Cheick Kongo so I know best what's next for me. It doesn't mean that I am leaving the UFC, it doesn't mean that I am staying – it means this is my life." Kongo has stated that he is open to the possibility of resigning a contract with the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/cheick-kongo-issues-statement-on-potential-to-resign-with-ufc |title=Cheick Kongo issues statement on potential to re-sign with UFC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629214251/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/cheick-kongo-issues-statement-on-potential-to-resign-with-ufc |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=October 26, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref>


===Bellator MMA===
===Bellator MMA===
Shortly after it was announced that Cheick's teammate [[Rampage Jackson]] was going to [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]], it was stated that Kongo will be following his teammate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/cheick-kongo-following-teammate-rampage-jackson-to-bellator-mma|title=Kongo follows Rampage Jackson to Bellator MMA|publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=June 4, 2013}}</ref> Kongo's move to [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]] was official on August 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-vet-cheick-kongo-signs-with-bellator-for-season-9-heavyweight-tournament|title=UFC vet Cheick Kongo signs with Bellator for Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=August 28, 2013}}</ref>
Shortly after it was announced that Cheick's teammate [[Rampage Jackson]] was going to [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]], it was stated that Kongo will be following his teammate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/cheick-kongo-following-teammate-rampage-jackson-to-bellator-mma|title=Kongo follows Rampage Jackson to Bellator MMA|publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=June 4, 2013}}</ref> Kongo's move to [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]] was official on August 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-vet-cheick-kongo-signs-with-bellator-for-season-9-heavyweight-tournament|title=UFC vet Cheick Kongo signs with Bellator for Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=August 28, 2013}}</ref>


Kongo made his debut in the [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Heavyweight tournament bracket|Season 9 Heavyweight tournament]]. He faced Mark Godbeer on October 4, 2013, at [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Bellator CII|Bellator 102]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/24/4765688/bellator-102-gets-kongo-vs-godbeer-johnson-vs-queiroz|title=Bellator 102 gets Kongo vs Godbeer, Johnson vs Queiroz|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=September 24, 2013}}</ref> Kongo won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Kongo made his debut in the [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Heavyweight tournament bracket|Season 9 Heavyweight tournament]]. He faced Mark Godbeer on October 4, 2013, at [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Bellator CII|Bellator 102]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/24/4765688/bellator-102-gets-kongo-vs-godbeer-johnson-vs-queiroz|title=Bellator 102 gets Kongo vs Godbeer, Johnson vs Queiroz|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=September 24, 2013}}</ref> Kongo won the fight via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-04 |title=Kongo earns TKO at Bellator 102 |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/9755701/cheick-kongo-stops-mark-godbeer-bellator-102 |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>


He was then expected to face [[Vinicius Queiroz]] in the tournament finals, on November 2, 2013, at [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Bellator CVI|Bellator 106]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/cheick-kongo-vs-vinicius-queiroz-tourney-final-added-to-bellator-106-ppv|title=Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz tourney final added to Bellator 106 PPV|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> However, due to a change in the line up, the bout was canceled.
He was then expected to face [[Vinicius Queiroz]] in the tournament finals, on November 2, 2013, at [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Bellator CVI|Bellator 106]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/cheick-kongo-vs-vinicius-queiroz-tourney-final-added-to-bellator-106-ppv|title=Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz tourney final added to Bellator 106 PPV|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> However, due to a change in the line up, the bout was canceled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-27 |title=Injury knocks Vinicius Queiroz from Bellator 107 and tourney final vs. Kongo |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2013/10/injury-knocks-vinicius-queiroz-from-bellator-107-and-tourney-final-vs-kongo |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref>


Kongo vs. Queiroz was then expected to take place on November 8, 2013, at [[Bellator 107]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/with-ppv-canceled-cheick-kongo-vs-vinicius-queiroz-now-headlines-bellator-107|title=With PPV canceled, Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz now headlines Bellator 107|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> However, Queiroz was later forced to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/injury-knocks-vinicius-queiroz-from-bellator-107-and-tourney-final-vs-kongo|title=Injury knock Vinicius Queiroz from Bellator 107 and tourney final vs Kongo|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> and was replaced by [[Peter Graham (kickboxer)|Peter Graham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/10/30/5047782/bellator-107-fight-card-cheick-kongo-vs-peter-graham-three-tournament-finals|title=Cheick Kongo vs Peter Graham leads three tournament finals at Bellator 107|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=October 30, 2013}}</ref> Kongo won the fight via unanimous decision.
Bout between Kongo and Queiroz was then expected to take place on November 8, 2013, at [[Bellator 107]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/with-ppv-canceled-cheick-kongo-vs-vinicius-queiroz-now-headlines-bellator-107|title=With PPV canceled, Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz now headlines Bellator 107|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> However, Queiroz was later forced to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/injury-knocks-vinicius-queiroz-from-bellator-107-and-tourney-final-vs-kongo|title=Injury knock Vinicius Queiroz from Bellator 107 and tourney final vs Kongo|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> and was replaced by [[Peter Graham (kickboxer)|Peter Graham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/10/30/5047782/bellator-107-fight-card-cheick-kongo-vs-peter-graham-three-tournament-finals|title=Cheick Kongo vs Peter Graham leads three tournament finals at Bellator 107|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=October 30, 2013}}</ref> Kongo won the fight via unanimous decision.


Kongo faced undefeated Bellator Heavyweight Champion [[Vitaly Minakov]] at Bellator 115 on April 4, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/01/vitaly-minakov-vs-cheick-kongo-title-fight-slated-for-bellator-115/|title=Vitaly Minakov vs. Cheick Kongo title fight slated for Bellator 115|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=January 17, 2014 |date=January 17, 2014}}</ref> He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Kongo faced Eric Smith at [[Bellator 120]] on May 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/bellator-120-pay-per-view-adds-ivanov-volkov-held-freire-three-more-bouts|title=Bellator 120 pay-per-view adds Ivanov-Volkov, Held-Freire, three more bouts|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=May 7, 2014 |date=April 18, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO by way of knees and punches at 4:35 of Round 2.
Kongo faced undefeated Bellator Heavyweight Champion [[Vitaly Minakov]] at Bellator 115 on April 4, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/01/vitaly-minakov-vs-cheick-kongo-title-fight-slated-for-bellator-115/|title=Vitaly Minakov vs. Cheick Kongo title fight slated for Bellator 115|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=January 17, 2014 |date=January 17, 2014}}</ref> He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Kongo faced Eric Smith at [[Bellator 120]] on May 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/bellator-120-pay-per-view-adds-ivanov-volkov-held-freire-three-more-bouts|title=Bellator 120 pay-per-view adds Ivanov-Volkov, Held-Freire, three more bouts|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=May 7, 2014 |date=April 18, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO by way of knees and punches at 4:35 of Round 2.


Kongo faced fellow striker [[Lavar Johnson]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2014#Bellator 123|Bellator 123]] on September 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bellator.com/articles/curran-pitbull-headline-september-5-mohegan-sun-bellator-123|title=Curran vs. Pitbull Headline September 5th Kickoff From Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena Live On Spike|publisher=bellator.com|access-date=July 16, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140718001548/http://bellator.com/articles/curran-pitbull-headline-september-5-mohegan-sun-bellator-123|archive-date=July 18, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bellator.com/fight-card/bellator-123|title=Bellator 123 Fight Card |publisher=Bellator.com|access-date=July 16, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. This marked his first submission win that was not caused by strikes since 2003.
Kongo faced fellow striker [[Lavar Johnson]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2014#Bellator 123|Bellator 123]] on September 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bellator.com/articles/curran-pitbull-headline-september-5-mohegan-sun-bellator-123|title=Curran vs. Pitbull Headline September 5th Kickoff From Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena Live On Spike|publisher=bellator.com|access-date=July 16, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140718001548/http://bellator.com/articles/curran-pitbull-headline-september-5-mohegan-sun-bellator-123|archive-date=July 18, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellator.com/fight-card/bellator-123|title=Bellator 123 Fight Card|publisher=Bellator.com|access-date=July 16, 2014|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023083240/http://www.bellator.com/fight-card/bellator-123|url-status=dead}}</ref> He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. This marked his first submission win that was not caused by strikes since 2003.


Kongo faced [[Muhammed Lawal|King Mo Lawal]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2015#Bellator 134|Bellator 134: The British Invasion]] on February 27, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/1/20/7861761/king-mo-lawal-vs-cheick-kongo-set-for-bellator-134|title=Lawal faces Kongo at heavyweight at Bellator 134|first=Luke|last=Thomas|date=January 20, 2015|website=MMA Fighting}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.
Kongo faced [[Muhammed Lawal|King Mo Lawal]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2015#Bellator 134|Bellator 134: The British Invasion]] on February 27, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/1/20/7861761/king-mo-lawal-vs-cheick-kongo-set-for-bellator-134|title=Lawal faces Kongo at heavyweight at Bellator 134|first=Luke|last=Thomas|date=January 20, 2015|website=MMA Fighting}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.
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On October 10, 2020, Kongo fought in a rematch [[Timothy Johnson (fighter)|Timothy Johnson]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 248|Bellator 248]] in [[Paris, France]]. He lost via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-europe-10-results-timothy-johnson-cheick-kongo-title-shot|title=Bellator Europe 10 results: Timothy Johnson edges Cheick Kongo in Paris, wants title shot|date=10 October 2020|website=MMAJunkie.com|author=Simon Head}}</ref>
On October 10, 2020, Kongo fought in a rematch [[Timothy Johnson (fighter)|Timothy Johnson]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 248|Bellator 248]] in [[Paris, France]]. He lost via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-europe-10-results-timothy-johnson-cheick-kongo-title-shot|title=Bellator Europe 10 results: Timothy Johnson edges Cheick Kongo in Paris, wants title shot|date=10 October 2020|website=MMAJunkie.com|author=Simon Head}}</ref>


Kongo faced [[Sergei Kharitonov]] on August 20, 2021 at [[Bellator 265]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-19|title=Сергей Харитонов и Чейк Конго проведут бой на Bellator 265|url=https://allboxing.ru/news/20210719-2152/sergey-haritonov-i-cheyk-kongo-provedut-boy-na-bellator-265|access-date=2021-07-20|website=AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции|language=ru}}</ref> He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-08-20|title=Bellator 265 Results: Cheick Kongo Beats Buzzer, Taps Sergei Kharitonov|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/20/bellator-265-kongo-vs-kharitonov/|access-date=2021-08-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Kongo faced [[Sergei Kharitonov]] on August 20, 2021, at [[Bellator 265]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-19|title=Сергей Харитонов и Чейк Конго проведут бой на Bellator 265|url=https://allboxing.ru/news/20210719-2152/sergey-haritonov-i-cheyk-kongo-provedut-boy-na-bellator-265|access-date=2021-07-20|website=AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции|language=ru}}</ref> He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-08-20|title=Bellator 265 Results: Cheick Kongo Beats Buzzer, Taps Sergei Kharitonov|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/20/bellator-265-kongo-vs-kharitonov/|access-date=2021-08-21|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


Kongo faced [[Ryan Bader]] for the [[Bellator Heavyweight World Championship]] on May 6, 2022 at [[Bellator 280]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Gabriel|date=2022-01-30|title=Bellator Announces May 6 Championship Bout Between Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo in Paris|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/01/30/bellator-announces-may-06-championship-bout-ryan-bader-cheick-kongo-paris/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2022-05-06 |title=Bellator 280: Ryan Bader Retains Title As Cheick Kongo Has No Answer for Champ's Wrestling|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/05/06/bellator-280-ryan-bader-vs-cheick-kongo/|access-date=2022-05-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Kongo faced [[Ryan Bader]] for the [[Bellator Heavyweight World Championship]] on May 6, 2022, at [[Bellator 280]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Gabriel|date=2022-01-30|title=Bellator Announces May 6 Championship Bout Between Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo in Paris|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/01/30/bellator-announces-may-06-championship-bout-ryan-bader-cheick-kongo-paris/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2022-05-06 |title=Bellator 280: Ryan Bader Retains Title As Cheick Kongo Has No Answer for Champ's Wrestling|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/05/06/bellator-280-ryan-bader-vs-cheick-kongo/|access-date=2022-05-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Championships and achievements==
==Championships and achievements==
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* 2001 RINGS European Vice Champion
* 2001 RINGS European Vice Champion
* European Savate Champion
* European Savate Champion

===Mixed martial arts===
===Mixed martial arts===
* '''[[Bellator MMA]]'''
* '''[[Bellator MMA]]'''
** [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Heavyweight tournament bracket|Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Championship]]
** [[Bellator MMA: Season Nine#Heavyweight tournament bracket|Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Championship]]
** Most fights in Bellator Heavyweight division history (17)<ref name=pre265>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-265-pre-event-facts-46-year-old-cheick-kongo-makes-history|title=Bellator 265 pre-event facts: 46-year-old Cheick Kongo makes history|date=August 17, 2021|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>
** Most fights in Bellator Heavyweight division history (18)<ref name=pre265>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-265-pre-event-facts-46-year-old-cheick-kongo-makes-history|title=Bellator 265 pre-event facts: 46-year-old Cheick Kongo makes history|date=August 17, 2021|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>
** Most victories in Bellator Heavyweight division history (13)<ref name=post265>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-265-post-event-facts-cheick-kongo-extends-heavyweight-wins-record|title=Bellator 265 post-event facts: Cheick Kongo extends heavyweight wins record|date=August 22, 2021|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>
** Most victories in Bellator Heavyweight division history (13)<ref name=post265>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-265-post-event-facts-cheick-kongo-extends-heavyweight-wins-record|title=Bellator 265 post-event facts: Cheick Kongo extends heavyweight wins record|date=August 22, 2021|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>
* '''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
* '''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
** [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) <small>vs. [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] </small>
** [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) <small>vs. [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] </small>
** [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Year]] (2011) <small>vs. [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] </small>
** [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Year]] (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=
https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-knockouts-year|title=Ten Best - 2012 (and before) Knockouts of the Year|date=January 6, 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref> <small>vs. [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]] </small>
* '''King of the Ring'''
* '''King of the Ring'''
** KOTR Super World Champion -103&nbsp;kg
** KOTR Super World Champion -103&nbsp;kg
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|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|31–12–2 (1)
|align=center|{{nowrap|31–12–2 (1)}}
|[[Ryan Bader]]
|[[Ryan Bader]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
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|align=center|3:52
|align=center|3:52
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|{{small|For the [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Heavyweight World Championship|Bellator Heavyweight World Championship]].}}
|{{small|For the [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Heavyweight World Championship|Bellator Heavyweight World Championship]]. Accidental eye poke rendered Kongo unable to continue.}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
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|[[Vitaly Minakov]]
|[[Vitaly Minakov]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator_MMA_in_2019#Bellator_216|Bellator 216]]
|[[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 216|Bellator 216]]
|{{dts|2019|February|16}}
|{{dts|2019|February|16}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
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|[[Timothy Johnson (fighter)|Timothy Johnson]]
|[[Timothy Johnson (fighter)|Timothy Johnson]]
|KO (punches)
|KO (punches)
|[[Bellator_MMA_in_2018#Bellator_208|Bellator 208]]
|[[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 208|Bellator 208]]
|{{dts|2018|October|13}}
|{{dts|2018|October|13}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
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|[[Javy Ayala]]
|[[Javy Ayala]]
|KO (punches)
|KO (punches)
|[[Bellator_MMA_in_2018#Bellator_199|Bellator 199]]
|[[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 199|Bellator 199]]
|{{dts|2018|May|12}}
|{{dts|2018|May|12}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
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| align=center| 2:39
| align=center| 2:39
| [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], United States
| [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], United States
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
| {{small|Knockout of the Night. Knockout of the Year.}}
|-
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| {{draw}}Draw
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| align=center| 15–6–1
| align=center| 15–6–1
| [[Paul Buentello]]
| [[Paul Buentello]]
| TKO (submission to elbows to the body)
| TKO (submission to elbows to the legs)
| [[UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones]]
| [[UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones]]
| {{dts|2010|March|21}}
| {{dts|2010|March|21}}
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| align=center| 11–3–1
| align=center| 11–3–1
| [[Mirko Cro Cop]]
| [[Mirko Cro Cop]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 75]]
| [[UFC 75]]
| {{dts|2007|September|08}}
| {{dts|2007|September|08}}
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| {{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–3–1
| align=center| 10–3–1
| [[Assuerio Silva]]
| [[Assuério Silva]]
| Decision (majority)
| Decision (majority)
| [[UFC 70]]
| [[UFC 70]]
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{{end}}
{{end}}


==Kickboxing record (Incomplete)==
==Kickboxing record (incomplete)==
{| class="toccolours" style="width:100%; clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="toccolours" style="width:100%; clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:darkGrey;"| <span style="color:white;">Kickboxing record (Incomplete)</span>
! colspan="2" style="background:darkGrey;"| <span style="color:white;">Kickboxing record (Incomplete)</span>
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
|'''21 wins (12 (T)KO's), 2 losses'''
|'''21 wins (16 (T)KO's), 1 loss'''
{| style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:100%;" class="wikitable sortable"
{| style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:100%;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 760: Line 762:


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of current Bellator fighters]]
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]
* [[List of male kickboxers]]
* [[List of male kickboxers]]
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[[Category:Martial artists from Paris]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]

Latest revision as of 18:52, 24 September 2024

Cheick Kongo
Born (1975-05-17) May 17, 1975 (age 49)
Paris, France
Height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight242 lb (110 kg; 17 st 4 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach81 in (206 cm)
StyleKickboxing Karate Muay Thai Boxing Greco-Roman Wrestling Kendo Pencak Silat Savate Shootfighting
StanceOrthodox
TeamKongo Smashin' Club[1]
Wolfslair MMA Academy
Huntington Beach Training Center
RankBlack belt in Karate
Black belt in Kendo
Brown belt in Pencak Silat Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate
Years active2001–present (MMA)
Kickboxing record
Total23
Wins21
By knockout12
Losses2
Mixed martial arts record
Total46
Wins31
By knockout15
By submission4
By decision12
Losses12
By knockout3
By submission1
By decision8
Draws2
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: October 17, 2010

Cheick Kongo (born May 17, 1975) is a French mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who fights in the Heavyweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2001, he has also competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator.

Early life

[edit]

Born to a Burkinabé father and a Congolese mother, Kongo began training in martial arts when he was 5 years old, learning Kendo and Karate. As he grew older, he had already received a black belt in both styles and began to expand his repertoire and trained in Boxing, Muay Thai, Savate, and Greco Roman Wrestling at the age of 19. At the age of 23 he learned Pencak Silat Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate under the tutelage of Charles Joussoat and Franck Ropers, who learned it from C. N. Hardjono Turpijn, the pioneer of Pencak Silat PSHT in Europe.[2][3] Kongo was interducted to Shootfighting through Bas Rutten at age 25, and started his career in mixed martial arts in 2001. He is also a cousin of rugby star Fulgence Ouedraogo, the French back-rower. Cheick is also a columnist for the French MMA magazine, Top Fight.

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

On June 10, 2001, Kongo began his professional career by knocking out Doog Ward. Kongo then followed up that win with a TKO over Dave van der Veen. He then lost his third professional MMA fight to Rodney Faverus by decision. He faced Gilbert Yvel on May 20, losing for the second time in his career when he tapped to strikes in the second round. He trained with Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva in the early days of Pride Fighting Championships.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Kongo entered the UFC to fight Gilbert Aldana at UFC 61, whom he beat by TKO due to a doctor stoppage. Kongo followed up with a win over UFC newcomer Christian Wellisch by KO due to a knee strike, before losing to UFC newcomer Carmelo Marrero at UFC 64. Then, Kongo defeated Assuério Silva by majority decision at UFC 70.

At UFC 75 on September 8, 2007, he defeated Mirko Cro Cop by unanimous decision. Though there was controversy as Kongo kneed Cro Cop in the groin several times without having any points deducted, inspiring American MMA fans to give Kongo the nickname "Cup Cheick".

He fought against Heath Herring at UFC 82, losing by split decision. At UFC 87 he fought against UFC newcomer Dan "The Viking" Evensen, whom he defeated by first-round TKO.

Kongo fought at UFC 92 on December 27, 2008, where he beat former Cage Rage British Heavyweight champion Mustapha al-Turk by TKO. Kongo dropped Al Turk with two right hands. Then fired on a vicious ground and pound attack, Kongo pounced on al-Turk with elbows and punches, opening up a big cut above the eye.[4] Referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight after 4:37 of the first round.[4]

In his next fight he defeated Antoni Hardonk at UFC 97 by second-round TKO.[5]

Kongo replaced Heath Herring on three weeks notice at UFC 99 to face the up-and-coming Cain Velasquez in the co-main event. Kongo lost to Velasquez by unanimous decision in a one-sided affair. He did however, manage to drop Velasquez on two occasions with straight punches. It had been rumoured that if he was to defeat Velasquez, Kongo would earn a title shot against the winner of the UFC 100 Heavyweight Championship between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir. Mir lost his bout against Lesnar and actually ended up fighting Kongo at UFC 107. During the pre-fight talk, Mir stated that Kongo had no ground game, so at the weigh ins Cheick Kongo turned his back to Mir, to be disrespectful. Mir won the fight by a submission. After connecting with a left overhand punch that dropped Kongo, Mir finished him with a guillotine choke, rendering Kongo unconscious just 72 seconds into the first round.[6]

Kongo defeated Paul Buentello on March 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones by submission due to elbows.[7]

Kongo was expected to face The Ultimate Fighter 10 winner Roy Nelson on July 3, 2010, at UFC 116 but a back injury to Kongo has caused the cancellation of the fight.[8]

Kongo's next fight was against undefeated Travis Browne at UFC 120.[9] They fought to a unanimous draw. Kongo repeatedly grabbed Browne's shorts and had 1 point deducted in the final round.[10]

Kongo fought Pat Barry on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4.[11] His fight against Barry became the main event since Nate Marquardt was not medically cleared for his welterweight debut against Rick Story.[12] During the bout Kongo was dropped by a looping right hand. Visibly rocked, Kongo got back to his feet but was dropped again seconds later by another hard punch. Despite being dropped twice, Kongo was able to knock Barry out with a hard overhand right to the ear, followed by an uppercut to the chin to secure a win midway through the first round. [13]

Kongo faced Matt Mitrione on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137. He won the fight via unanimous decision by utilizing his reach with his jab and securing multiple takedowns.[14]

Kongo faced Mark Hunt on February 26, 2012, at UFC 144.[15] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[16]

Kongo was expected to face Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149.[17] However, Nogueira pulled out of the bout, citing that an arm injury sustained in his last bout against Frank Mir had not healed enough to resume the proper training and was replaced by Shawn Jordan.[18] Kongo defeated Jordan via unanimous decision.[19]

Kongo faced Roy Nelson on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159, they were supposed to meet before at UFC 116.[20] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. After his loss to Nelson, Kongo's UFC contract expired and he was released from the UFC.[21]

Before UFC 159 the UFC offered Kongo a four-fight deal, which he turned down. Kongo left the UFC with a 11-6-1 record.[22]

On May 4, 2013, Kongo stated that he is on good terms with the UFC and was quoted saying: "Don't believe he said-she said stories. I have not been cut by the UFC. I am Cheick Kongo so I know best what's next for me. It doesn't mean that I am leaving the UFC, it doesn't mean that I am staying – it means this is my life." Kongo has stated that he is open to the possibility of resigning a contract with the UFC.[23]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

Shortly after it was announced that Cheick's teammate Rampage Jackson was going to Bellator, it was stated that Kongo will be following his teammate.[24] Kongo's move to Bellator was official on August 28, 2013.[25]

Kongo made his debut in the Season 9 Heavyweight tournament. He faced Mark Godbeer on October 4, 2013, at Bellator 102.[26] Kongo won the fight via TKO in the second round.[27]

He was then expected to face Vinicius Queiroz in the tournament finals, on November 2, 2013, at Bellator 106.[28] However, due to a change in the line up, the bout was canceled.[29]

Bout between Kongo and Queiroz was then expected to take place on November 8, 2013, at Bellator 107.[30] However, Queiroz was later forced to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury[31] and was replaced by Peter Graham.[32] Kongo won the fight via unanimous decision.

Kongo faced undefeated Bellator Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov at Bellator 115 on April 4, 2014.[33] He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Kongo faced Eric Smith at Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014.[34] He won the fight via TKO by way of knees and punches at 4:35 of Round 2.

Kongo faced fellow striker Lavar Johnson at Bellator 123 on September 5, 2014.[35][36] He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. This marked his first submission win that was not caused by strikes since 2003.

Kongo faced King Mo Lawal at Bellator 134: The British Invasion on February 27, 2015.[37] He lost the fight via split decision.

Kongo faced former Bellator Heavyweight Champion Alexander Volkov on June 26, 2015, at Bellator 139.[38] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Kongo faced Vinicius Queiroz at Bellator 150 on February 26, 2016. In the third round, Kongo was dropped by a right hand, however, he was able to recover and win a split decision.[39]

Kongo faced Tony Johnson at Bellator 161 on September 16, 2016. He won the fight via majority decision.[40]

Kongo faced former training partner Oli Thompson at Bellator 172 on February 18, 2017. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Kongo faced Augusto Sakai at Bellator 179 on May 19, 2017. He won the fight via split decision.[41]

Kongo faced Javy Ayala at Bellator 199 on May 12 in San Jose, CA.[42] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[43]

Kongo faced Timothy Johnson on October 13, 2018, at Bellator 208.[44] He won the fight by knockout in the first round.[45]

Kongo faced Vitaly Minakov for a second time on February 16, 2019, at Bellator 216[46] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[47]

On July 11, 2019, it was announced that Kongo will be facing Ryan Bader for the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship on September 7 at Bellator 226.[48] The bout ended in a no contest at 3:52 of the first round after an accidental eye poke from Bader rendered Kongo unable to continue.[49]

On May 4, 2020, it was revealed that Kongo had signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator.[50]

On October 10, 2020, Kongo fought in a rematch Timothy Johnson at Bellator 248 in Paris, France. He lost via split decision.[51]

Kongo faced Sergei Kharitonov on August 20, 2021, at Bellator 265.[52] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.[53]

Kongo faced Ryan Bader for the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship on May 6, 2022, at Bellator 280.[54] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[55]

Championships and achievements

[edit]

Kickboxing

[edit]
  • 2005 World Champion Federation King of the Rings
  • 2005 King of Colosseum Tournament Champion
  • 2005 Rings World Champion
  • 2004 King of the Ring Super World Champion
  • 2004 Muay Thai World Champion
  • 2003 Intercontinental Muay Thai Champion
  • 2002 RINGS European Champion
  • 2001 RINGS European Vice Champion
  • European Savate Champion

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
46 matches 31 wins 12 losses
By knockout 15 3
By submission 4 1
By decision 12 8
Draws 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 31–12–2 (1) Ryan Bader Decision (unanimous) Bellator 280 May 6, 2022 5 5:00 Paris, France For the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 31–11–2 (1) Sergei Kharitonov Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 265 August 20, 2021 2 4:59 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Loss 30–11–2 (1) Timothy Johnson Decision (split) Bellator 248 October 10, 2020 3 5:00 Paris, France
NC 30–10–2 (1) Ryan Bader NC (accidental eye poke) Bellator 226 September 7, 2019 1 3:52 San Jose, California, United States For the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship. Accidental eye poke rendered Kongo unable to continue.
Win 30–10–2 Vitaly Minakov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 216 February 16, 2019 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Bellator Heavyweight title eliminator.
Win 29–10–2 Timothy Johnson KO (punches) Bellator 208 October 13, 2018 1 1:08 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 28–10–2 Javy Ayala KO (punches) Bellator 199 May 12, 2018 1 2:29 San Jose, California, United States
Win 27–10–2 Augusto Sakai Decision (split) Bellator 179 May 19, 2017 3 5:00 London, England
Win 26–10–2 Oli Thompson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 172 February 18, 2017 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 25–10–2 Tony Johnson Decision (majority) Bellator 161 September 16, 2016 3 5:00 Cedar Park, Texas, United States
Win 24–10–2 Vinicius Queiroz Decision (split) Bellator 150 February 26, 2016 3 5:00 Mulvane, Kansas, United States
Win 23–10–2 Alexander Volkov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 139 June 26, 2015 3 5:00 Mulvane, Kansas, United States
Loss 22–10–2 Muhammed Lawal Decision (split) Bellator 134 February 27, 2015 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 22–9–2 Lavar Johnson Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 123 September 5, 2014 1 3:27 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 21–9–2 Eric Smith TKO (knees and punches) Bellator 120 May 17, 2014 2 4:35 Southaven, Mississippi, United States
Loss 20–9–2 Vitaly Minakov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 115 April 4, 2014 5 5:00 Reno, Nevada, United States For the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 20–8–2 Peter Graham Decision (unanimous) Bellator 107 November 8, 2013 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Final.
Win 19–8–2 Mark Godbeer TKO (knees and punches) Bellator 102 October 4, 2013 2 2:04 Visalia, California, United States Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Loss 18–8–2 Roy Nelson KO (punches) UFC 159 April 27, 2013 1 2:03 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 18–7–2 Shawn Jordan Decision (unanimous) UFC 149 July 21, 2012 3 5:00 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Loss 17–7–2 Mark Hunt TKO (punches) UFC 144 February 26, 2012 1 2:11 Saitama, Japan
Win 17–6–2 Matt Mitrione Decision (unanimous) UFC 137 October 29, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 16–6–2 Pat Barry KO (punch) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry June 26, 2011 1 2:39 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Knockout of the Night. Knockout of the Year.
Draw 15–6–2 Travis Browne Draw (unanimous) UFC 120 October 16, 2010 3 5:00 London, England Kongo was deducted one point in round 3 for holding onto Browne's shorts.
Win 15–6–1 Paul Buentello TKO (submission to elbows to the legs) UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones March 21, 2010 3 1:16 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Loss 14–6–1 Frank Mir Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 107 December 12, 2009 1 1:12 Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Loss 14–5–1 Cain Velasquez Decision (unanimous) UFC 99 June 13, 2009 3 5:00 Cologne, Germany
Win 14–4–1 Antoni Hardonk TKO (punches) UFC 97 April 18, 2009 2 2:29 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 13–4–1 Mostapha al-Turk TKO (elbows and punches) UFC 92 December 27, 2008 1 4:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 12–4–1 Dan Evensen TKO (punches) UFC 87 August 9, 2008 1 4:55 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Loss 11–4–1 Heath Herring Decision (split) UFC 82 March 1, 2008 3 5:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 11–3–1 Mirko Cro Cop Decision (unanimous) UFC 75 September 8, 2007 3 5:00 London, England
Win 10–3–1 Assuério Silva Decision (majority) UFC 70 April 21, 2007 3 5:00 Manchester, England
Loss 9–3–1 Carmelo Marrero Decision (split) UFC 64 October 14, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–2–1 Christian Wellisch KO (knee) UFC 62 August 26, 2006 1 2:51 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–2–1 Gilbert Aldana TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 61 July 8, 2006 1 4:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–2–1 Dave Dalgliesh TKO (punches) Rings Holland: Men of Honor December 11, 2005 2 N/A Utrecht City, Utrecht
Win 6–2–1 Gabor Nemeth KO (punches) King of the Ring: Mission Impossible[60] June 4, 2005 2 N/A Zagreb, Croatia Won KOTR -103 kg Super World Championship.
Loss 5–2–1 Gilbert Yvel TKO (punches) It's Showtime 2004 Amsterdam May 20, 2004 2 4:40 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win 5–1–1 Joop Kasteel KO (punch) RINGS Holland: World's Greatest April 4, 2004 1 4:31 Utrecht City, Utrecht
Win 4–1–1 Dave Vader Decision (unanimous) RINGS Holland: The Untouchables September 27, 2003 3 2:00 Utrecht City, Utrecht
Win 3–1–1 Hans Nijman Submission (armbar) It's Showtime 2003 Amsterdam June 8, 2003 2 0:59 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Draw 2–1–1 Michael Knaap Draw (unanimous) It's Showtime: As Usual / Battle Time September 29, 2002 2 5:00 Haarlem, North Holland
Loss 2–1 Rodney Faverus Decision (unanimous) Rings Holland: Saved by the Bell June 2, 2002 2 5:00 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win 2–0 Dave van der Veen TKO (punches) Rings Holland: Some Like It Hard December 2, 2001 2 1:25 Utrecht City, Utrecht
Win 1–0 André Tete Submission (heel hook) Rings Holland: No Guts, No Glory June 10, 2001 1 3:20 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

[edit]
Kickboxing record (Incomplete)
21 wins (16 (T)KO's), 1 loss
Result Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win Serbia Dusko Basrak TKO (punches) King of Colosseum 2005 November 25, 2005 4 N/A Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina King of Colosseum 2005 tournament final.
Win Croatia Mladen Brestovac Decision (split) King of Colosseum 2005 November 25, 2005 3 3:00 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina King of Colosseum 2005 tournament semifinal.
Win Hungary Tihamer Brunner KO King of Colosseum 2005 November 25, 2005 N/A N/A Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina King of Colosseum 2005 tournament quarterfinal.
Loss Brazil Glaube Feitosa Decision (unanimous) Ichigeki Paris 2005 March 19, 2005 3 3:00 Paris, France
Win Croatia Sinisa Andrijasevic TKO (knee to the liver) King of the Ring March 5, 2004 2 N/A Priština, Serbia and Montenegro Won KOTR Muay Thai rules, -105 kg Super World Championship.
Win Poland Marcin Rozalski TKO (knees) N/A N/A 3 N/A Paris, France

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Kongo Smashin' Club". Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  2. ^ English – Cheick Kongo. Team-kongo.over-blog.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  3. ^ Silat PSHT Tersohor di Dunia Berkat Franck Ropers, Pendekar Prancis yang Miliki Ribuan Murid. Malangtimes. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "UFC 92 Play-by-Play". Sherdog.
  5. ^ Smith, Michael David (April 18, 2009). "UFC 97: Big Win for Cheick Kongo Over Antoni Hardonk". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  6. ^ "Penn Dominates, Finishes Sanchez at UFC 107". SHERDOG.com. December 12, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
  7. ^ "Cheick Kongo vs Paul Buentello booked for UFC on Versus 1". mmamania.com. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  8. ^ "Cheick Kongo: injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup nor UFC 116 return". RIDDUM.com. May 4, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  9. ^ Marrocco, Steven. (July 2, 2010) Heavyweights Cheick Kongo vs. Travis Browne targeted for UFC 120 Archived July 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  10. ^ "Browne gasses; Kongo loses point and fights himself into a draw at UFC 120". Yahoo Sports. October 17, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo on tap for UFC on Versus 4 in June". mmajunkie.com. March 14, 2011. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012.
  12. ^ "Nate Marquardt Scratched From "UFC On Versus," Released From UFC". SB Nation. June 25, 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  13. ^ Barr, Andrew. "UFC Results: Cheick Kongo Pulls off Epic Comeback, Knocks out Pat Barry". Bleacher Report. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  14. ^ "UFC 137: Cheick Kongo vs Matt Mitrione fight booked for Oct. 29 in Las Vegas". mmamania.com. July 14, 2011.
  15. ^ "Chieck Kongo vs. Mark Hunt Verbally Agreed to for UFC 144 in Japan". mmaweekly.com. November 20, 2011.
  16. ^ Smith, Michael David (February 26, 2012). "UFC 144 Results: Mark Hunt Knocks Out Cheick Kongo". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  17. ^ "Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira added to UFC 149 in Calgary". mmajunkie.com. April 24, 2012.
  18. ^ "Shawn Jordan replaces 'Big Nog,' meets Cheick Kongo at UFC 149". mmajunkie.com. June 16, 2012. Archived from the original on June 19, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  19. ^ Saunders, Andrew. "UFC 149 Results: Cheick Kongo Defeats Shawn Jordan Via Unanimous Decision". Bleacher Report. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  20. ^ "Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159". mmajunkie.com. January 29, 2013.
  21. ^ MMAjunkie.com Staff (May 1, 2013). "Cheick Kongo fulfills contract, UFC not planning to re-sign him". mmajunkie.com.
  22. ^ "Kongo leaves UFC on own terms will continue fighting outside the octagon". bjpenn.com. May 1, 2013.
  23. ^ "Cheick Kongo issues statement on potential to re-sign with UFC". Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  24. ^ "Kongo follows Rampage Jackson to Bellator MMA". mmaweekly.com. June 4, 2013.
  25. ^ "UFC vet Cheick Kongo signs with Bellator for Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament". mmaweekly.com. August 28, 2013.
  26. ^ "Bellator 102 gets Kongo vs Godbeer, Johnson vs Queiroz". mmafighting.com. September 24, 2013.
  27. ^ "Kongo earns TKO at Bellator 102". ESPN.com. October 4, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  28. ^ "Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz tourney final added to Bellator 106 PPV". mmajunkie.com. October 14, 2013.
  29. ^ "Injury knocks Vinicius Queiroz from Bellator 107 and tourney final vs. Kongo". MMA Junkie. October 27, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  30. ^ "With PPV canceled, Cheick Kongo vs Vinicius Queiroz now headlines Bellator 107". mmajunkie.com. October 26, 2013.
  31. ^ "Injury knock Vinicius Queiroz from Bellator 107 and tourney final vs Kongo". mmajunkie.com. October 26, 2013.
  32. ^ "Cheick Kongo vs Peter Graham leads three tournament finals at Bellator 107". mmafighting.com. October 30, 2013.
  33. ^ Staff (January 17, 2014). "Vitaly Minakov vs. Cheick Kongo title fight slated for Bellator 115". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  34. ^ Matt Erickson (April 18, 2014). "Bellator 120 pay-per-view adds Ivanov-Volkov, Held-Freire, three more bouts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  35. ^ "Curran vs. Pitbull Headline September 5th Kickoff From Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena Live On Spike". bellator.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  36. ^ "Bellator 123 Fight Card". Bellator.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  37. ^ Thomas, Luke (January 20, 2015). "Lawal faces Kongo at heavyweight at Bellator 134". MMA Fighting.
  38. ^ Chuck Mindenhall (April 21, 2015). "Cheick Kongo to clash with Alexander Volkov at Bellator 139". mmafighting.com.
  39. ^ Hunter A. Homistek (February 26, 2016). "Bellator 150 results: Cheick Kongo survives, wins split decision over Vinicius Queiroz". mmafighting.com.
  40. ^ Mike Bohn (September 16, 2016). "Bellator 161 results: Kongo takes decision over Johnson, Warren submits Kakai". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  41. ^ Staff (May 19, 2017). "Bellator 179 results: Rory MacDonald dominates Paul Daley for first win since 2014". mmajunkie.com.
  42. ^ Anderson, Jay (March 30, 2018). "Heavyweights Cheick Kongo and Javy Ayala Booked for Bellator 199". cagesidepress.com.
  43. ^ "Video: Cheick Kongo brutally knocks out Javy Ayala at Bellator 199". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  44. ^ "Cheick Kongo gets 31st Bellator/UFC booking, meets Timothy Johnson at Bellator 208". MMAjunkie. August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  45. ^ "Bellator 208 results: Cheick Kongo scores 68-second KO of Timothy Johnson". MMA Junkie. October 14, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  46. ^ Staff (February 16, 2019). "MVP vs. Daley". www.bellator.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  47. ^ Doyle, Dave (February 16, 2019). "Bellator 216 results: Cheick Kongo gets unanimous decision nod over Vitaly Minakov". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  48. ^ "Ryan Bader to defend heavyweight title against Cheick Kongo at Bellator 226". MMAfighting.com. July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  49. ^ "Bellator 226 results: Ryan Bader vs. Cheick Kongo ruled no contest after eye poke". MMA Junkie. September 8, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  50. ^ Danny Segura (May 4, 2020). "Cheick Kongo signs new, multi-fight Bellator deal". mmajunkie.com.
  51. ^ Simon Head (October 10, 2020). "Bellator Europe 10 results: Timothy Johnson edges Cheick Kongo in Paris, wants title shot". MMAJunkie.com.
  52. ^ "Сергей Харитонов и Чейк Конго проведут бой на Bellator 265". AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции (in Russian). July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  53. ^ Anderson, Jay (August 20, 2021). "Bellator 265 Results: Cheick Kongo Beats Buzzer, Taps Sergei Kharitonov". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  54. ^ Gonzalez, Gabriel (January 30, 2022). "Bellator Announces May 6 Championship Bout Between Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo in Paris". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  55. ^ Anderson, Jay (May 6, 2022). "Bellator 280: Ryan Bader Retains Title As Cheick Kongo Has No Answer for Champ's Wrestling". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  56. ^ Mike Bohn (August 17, 2021). "Bellator 265 pre-event facts: 46-year-old Cheick Kongo makes history". MMAjunkie.com.
  57. ^ Mike Bohn (August 22, 2021). "Bellator 265 post-event facts: Cheick Kongo extends heavyweight wins record". MMAjunkie.com.
  58. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (January 6, 2013). "Ten Best - 2012 (and before) Knockouts of the Year". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  59. ^ Chiappetta, Mike (November 30, 2011). "2011 World MMA Awards Results". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  60. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 23, 2015. Retrieved 2015-01-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Cheick_Kongo&oldid=1247536243"