FightHype.com recently caught up with UFC heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo to talk about his impressive victory over Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic at UFC 75, his future plans and much more. Check it out!
PC: Congratulations on your win over Cro Cop in London.
CK: Thank you!
PC: How do you feel about your performance?
CK: I feel the same as usual; cool and tired with big pains in my back.
PC: Your last 2 fights have been in London. What is the reception for you like over there?
CK: The European fans are starting to know me and the English public appreciates me.
PC: It seemed like the fight was in your control when you started to back Cro Cop up. Going into the fight, did you know a weakness of his was fighting going backwards?
CK: I think it was an instinct fight and his weakness was me.
PC: You landed some very hard kicks and blocked several of his in the process of winning. At any point in the fight, did you feel you would stop him?
CK: Everyone knew of Cro Cop's power, but not mine. I had the weapons to stop him, but I was wounded before the fight. That's why I couldn't use all of my weapons to stop him.
PC: You started the fight with some nice inside leg kicks. Did you think that would lesson his output of kicks?
CK: I don't think so; it's just a Thai boxing routine
PC: You opened up in the second round with body and high kicks, but you were warned for knees to the groin. Did that make you back off from throwing them with the fear you would get disqualified?
CK: No idea at the time. I just had to get back to my attack because he got to rest with the delay.
PC: Any time a fight goes to the scorecards, you have to have some concerns. Were you ever nervous that they would take the fight from you?
CK: I hoped to have made a good enough fight to win. It's never a sure thing when it falls to a decision.
PC: How much has training with Juanito and Rampage's camp helped your fight game?
CK: We worked together for one month and he got me prepared very well.
PC: Your ground game has vastly improved. How much had you been working on that leading up to your fight with Cro Cop?
CK: I worked with Juanito to be comfortable between my boxing and my wrestling and I think it worked out fine.
PC: What would you like to do next and will we see you again in the Octagon before the year is out?
CK: I want to make it a surprise!
PC: Cro Cop is a huge notch on your belt and you pretty much dominated him. Did you ever imagine it would be that easy for you?
CK: I knew that it would not be easy, but it was easy even with my wounds.
PC: I look forward to seeing a lot more of you. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
CK: I like the challenge and it gives me joy every day and if everyone appreciates that, cool. I try to do well. Thanks to Rampage's camp, coaches and partners. I want to thank my family, friends, supporters and myspace!
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]