by Rohit Verma (special contribution)
Rohit Verma had a chance to talk to Cheick Kongo before his upcoming fight against Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic at UFC 75 in London, England.
Kongo holds a professional MMA record of 10-3-1, including wins over Joop Kasteel and Assuerio Silva. The French heavyweight is known for his striking, specifically his knees from the clinch.
Nokaut.com: How did you feel when the UFC announced you would be facing Mirko Filipovic, who is a huge name in the MMA world?
Cheick Kongo: I felt nice and serene. I’m coming to fight the top fighters.
Nokaut.com: Are you going to Big Bear to prepare? And who are the main guys that you will be training with?
Cheick Kongo: I started my training in France with the Tuff Team on boxing & wrestling. Now I’m training at Big Bear and preparing in Juanito's Camp. The main guys there are Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Brandon Vera, Mike Bisping, Greco, Box, Rocco, Junior, Zack and many more guys.
Nokaut.com: How long will you be there to train?
Cheick Kongo: Until my fight... [laughs].
Nokaut.com: How have you improved since your last fight in Manchester at UFC 70, defeating tough Brazilian fighter Assuerio Silva?
Cheick Kongo: Like usual, I work on my weaknesses, making me better each time.
Nokaut.com: There have been talks that Mirko is bringing guys like Pawel Nastula, Gilbert Yvel, Sergei Kharitonov, Ricco Rodriguez, and Remy Bonjasky to prepare for the fight. It looks like he is taking this fight very seriously. What are your thoughts on that?
Cheick Kongo: Nothing! I don't care, we will see on the day (with much respect...).
Nokaut.com: Looking at the guys Mirko is possibly bringing in to train with, it could mean "Cro Cop" wants to take the fight to the floor. How is your ground game coming into this fight?
Cheick Kongo: Like usual...
Nokaut.com: Are you bringing any one similar to Mirko's style of fighting?
Cheick Kongo: "Cro Cop" could change his style anytime, I do that every time.
Nokaut.com: What is your prediction of the outcome of the fight?
Cheick Kongo: I come for the belt after [Couture vs. Gonzaga], who [ever will ] be the winner.
Nokaut.com: If you are successful at UFC 75 do you think you will be next in line for the title?
Cheick Kongo: I hope so...
Nokaut.com: Do you have any last words and any one you would like to mention?
Cheick Kongo: I like to thank God, my family, friends, the fans who support me to give me the faith and to be real
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