Cheick is a Muay Thai fighter but began training many martial arts from the time he was 5. He studied kendo and karate under Master Marc Angevin. He went on to train in Greco-Roman wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai. He is the 2005 King of the Rings World Champion and has a free-fight record of 29-2 (28 KO) and a Muay Thai record of 18-1 (18 KO). His pro MMA record is 8-2-1.
MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Cheick started fighting MMA in 2001. He lost a decision to Rodney Faverus in RINGS Holland and fought to a draw with Michael Knapp in ’02. The following year brought the challenges of Hans Nyman (whom he submitted via armbar) and Dave Vader (whom he beat by decision) in Holland. Kongo knocked out Joop Kasteel at RINGS Holland: World’s Greatest and would stop three of his next four opponents with strikes (including Dave Dalgliesh), losing only to PFC veteran Gilbert Yvel (Pictures) by knockout.
UFC EXPERIENCE: 1-0. Kongo stopped Gilbert Aldana (Pictures) with strikes late in the first round of UFC 61.
WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Cheick has quality striking skills with some submission ability. He also brings a wealth of ring experience outside the UFC. Kongo likes to settle it standing.
WELLISCH: 6’ 2”, 237 pounds, 33, Budapest, Hungary, known as “The Hungarian Nightmare”
BACKGROUND: Christian Wellisch (Pictures) fights out of the American Kickboxing Academy and trains under Lynn Schutz. The recent law school graduate wrestled in college but a shoulder injury shelved his career. He began training at AKA to help, ironically enough, deal with stress before eventually fighting.
MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Wellisch began fighting professionally in 2001 and beat IFC veteran Sam Sotello (Pictures) in his second bout. In ’03 he was submitted by Kensuke Sasaki in X-1 but he came back to finish the year strong and stop KOTC veteran Vince Lucero (Pictures) with strikes. Christian would lose in his Shooto Australia debut to PFC veteran Soa Palalei (Pictures) and took a two-year hiatus form fighting. He returned earlier this year to beat K-1 MMA veteran Tom Howard (Pictures) and hand Gladiator Challenge four-man tournament winner Dan Evensen (Pictures) his only pro loss.
UFC EXPERIENCE: Debut.
WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Christian definitely prefers to strike. He has taken out two opponents with submissions and he trains with a camp that has a strong background of submission, so he is capable but would rather bang for the victory.
MY PICK: Kongo. Cheick has a ton of experience overseas, will likely come in a bit heavier than Wellisch and already has a bout in the Octagon under his belt. It should be a stand-up war and hopefully it will make the broadcast if one of the main card bouts proves to be a disappointment.