A second failed attempt for the pioneer of MMA in France.
Three years ago, Cheick Kongo, the first MMA star in France, tried to become world champion of Bellator (second MMA organization behind the UFC) against Ryan Bader, his evening opponent.
A fight concluded on a "No Contest" (stop by decision of the referee) and which had left a bitter taste to the French.
But Friday, at the Accor Arena in Bercy, which hosted MMA for the second time in France (this time without a gauge), Cheick Kongo, despite being "revengeful", again failed in his conquest of the world weight belt. Bellator heavyweights.
A huge disappointment for Kongo, who fought for many years for MMA to become legal in France, something that saw the light of day in January 2020.
Read alsoLegalization, incredible track record and defense of minorities: Cheick Kongo, the pioneer of MMA in France
Defeat by unanimous decision of the judges
At 46, the one who has not yet decided to hang up the mittens lost by unanimous decision of the judges against Ryan Bader, who therefore retains his title.
More than 11,000 spectators were however present to support Cheick Kongo, a true legend of his sport.
But in front of his white-hot audience, the former kickboxing champion struggled to repel the landings of his opponent, who exhausted him with his passages on the ground.
The champ @ryanbader grinding against @kongo4real.#Bellator280 LIVE on @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/CwzpwNR2Db
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) May 6, 2022
Despite a jump in the third round, the Frenchman was generally dominated from start to finish.
The American for his part reacted with pride to his victory: “He is a very solid fighter, very hard to move, but my fight made the difference.
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In 2020, Cheick Kongo was already the headliner of a Bellator event in this same Bercy venue.
And already the defeat was at the end in front of his fans.
We will now have to wait before knowing the future program of the veteran tricolor.
He told us in an interview that he “always wanted to stay longer” while conceding “but, given the passing age, it is not easy.
It may very well end tomorrow.
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