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10 Questions With Cheick Kongo (by Darrick Patrick)

Cheick "Unstoppable" Kongo is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King Of The Ring, It's Showtime, and Rings Holland. He is also known as "The African Punisher", "Strange", "The French Sensation", and Cheick Guillaume Ouedraogo. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Mustapha Al-Turk at UFC 92 on December 27th, 2008.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Cheick: You know, as far as I can remember, I have always practiced martial arts. I started to learn Kendo and Karate when I was six, and I began practicing Greco-Roman wrestling when I was a teenager. Then I supplemented my training with kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Penchak Silat.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Cheick: My mother definitely! Then my beloved brother Rudy (RIP) and my cousin Marc Angevin, who taught me Karate and Kendo when I was a little boy.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Cheick: I work out five to six days a week, three to four times a day. I do running, swimming, specific strength and conditioning, lift weights, technique work, boxing, sparring, and wrestling. Anything that can make me feel better.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Mustapha Al-Turk on December 27th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Cheick: Mustapha Al-Turk is the UK Cage Rage Heavyweight Champion - he is a tough guy, but I think I am going to knock him out. He'd better watch out! (Laughs)

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts and do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Cheick: A lot of things within martial arts brings me fulfillment, but the most important one is that it helps to push me to the limits. To become a better me. As for advice - no pain, no gain! Don't get stardust in your eyes, MMA is really tough.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Cheick: Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, and Randy Couture for their whole careers. Rampage for all the things he brings me every day - I consider him a brother.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Cheick: I am a full-time commercial agent for a French brand called Compagnie de Californie and I handle my own business. I also try to improve my skills in photography, and share some quality time with my family and friends.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Cheick: I spend too much time on my phones and I eat mayo on almost everything. (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Cheick: Playing fighting games with my older brother Rudy at home.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Cheick: I would spend my last twenty-four hours alone - at the top of a beautiful mountain, appreciating those last moments of grace and peace.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Cheick Kongo in the following places:

Official Cheick Kongo MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/cheickkongo

Cheick Kongo on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Cheick-Kongo-2193

Cheick Kongo Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/2193

Cheick: Mustapha Al-Turk is the UK Cage Rage Heavyweight Champion - he is a tough guy, but I think I am going to knock him out. He'd better watch out! (Laughs)

Can't argue with that

never did like Kongo

I think this upcoming match with Al-Turk is going to be a good one.