Cheick Kongo's interview

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.

source: www.irishwhipfighting.com