Cheick Kongo is a French professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. Known for his striking ability and resilience, Kongo has been a prominent figure in MMA, having also fought in the UFC.
Throughout his lengthy career, he has achieved several notable victories and competed against some of the best fighters in the world.
Here we have Cheick Kongo’s net worth, fight purse earnings, career, biography, and more.
Cheick Kongo’s Biography and Career
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheick Guillaume Ouedraogo Kongo |
| Birthdate | May 17, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 82 in (208 cm) |
| Style | Kickboxing, Karate, Savate |
| Professional Debut | June 2001 |
| Current Promotion | Bellator MMA |
Cheick Kongo was born on May 17, 1975, in Paris, France. He started his martial arts journey at a young age, practicing various disciplines such as karate, kickboxing, and savate.
Kongo transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA) in the early 2000s, where he quickly made a name for himself with his powerful striking and athleticism.
Professional Career
Cheick Kongo began his professional MMA career in 2001. Before transitioning to MMA, Kongo was a successful kickboxer, which contributed to his exceptional striking in the cage.
He gained attention with his impressive debut in the UFC in 2006 and went on to secure notable victories over opponents such as Mirko Cro Cop, Pat Barry, and Matt Mitrione.
In the UFC, Kongo’s blend of kickboxing and wrestling allowed him to remain competitive in the heavyweight division for years. He became known for his durability and knockout power, earning several Performance of the Night bonuses.
In 2013, Kongo transitioned to Bellator MMA, where he found continued success. He became one of the top heavyweight contenders, competing in several main events and title fights.
Kongo’s most notable run in Bellator saw him go on an eight-fight win streak between 2015 and 2019, including wins over top fighters such as Alexander Volkov and Augusto Sakai.
At Bellator 265 on August 20, 2021, Kongo achieved a significant victory over Sergei Kharitonov. He submitted Kharitonov in the second round with a rear-naked choke at 4:59, securing the win just one second before the end of the round in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
At Bellator 280 on May 6, 2022, Cheick Kongo lost to Ryan Bader via unanimous decision after five hard-fought rounds in Paris, France. This fight was for the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship, but Kongo was unable to capture the title against Bader.
Achievements
- Bellator Success: 8-fight winning streak from 2015 to 2019
- Championship Contender: Fought Ryan Bader for the Bellator Heavyweight Championship in 2019 and 2022
Cheick Kongo’s Net Worth Details
Cheick Kongo’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025, earned primarily through his fighting career, both in the UFC and Bellator.
His career earnings have been bolstered by several notable fight purses, win bonuses, and performance bonuses throughout his tenure in top promotions.
Kongo has also earned sponsorship deals that have contributed to his overall wealth.
Fight Purse Earnings
| Fight | Earnings |
|---|---|
| vs. Mirko Cro Cop (UFC 75) | $80,000 |
| vs. Pat Barry (UFC Live 4) | $120,000 |
| vs. Ryan Bader (Bellator 226) | $200,000 |
| vs. Augusto Sakai (Bellator 179) | $150,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $1.2 million |
| 2022 | $1.3 million |
| 2023 | $1.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million |
Endorsements
Cheick Kongo has been endorsed by brands such as Reebok and Venum during his fighting career. His reputation as a formidable heavyweight fighter has helped him secure deals with various MMA apparel and sports nutrition brands over the years.
MMA Records
| 46 matches | 31 wins | 12 losses |
| By knockout | 15 | 3 |
| By submission | 4 | 1 |
| By decision | 12 | 8 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. When and where was Cheick Kongo born?
Cheick Kongo was born on May 17, 1975, in Paris, France. His father is of Burkinabé descent, and his mother is Congolese.
2. What is Cheick Kongo’s professional MMA record?
As of February 2025, Kongo holds a professional MMA record of 31 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws, with 15 wins by knockout and 4 by submission.
3. Which organizations has Cheick Kongo fought for?
Kongo has competed in the UFC (18 fights, 11-6-1 record) and Bellator MMA (18 fights, 13-4-0 record). He also fought in kickboxing promotions earlier in his career.
4. What are Cheick Kongo’s notable achievements in combat sports?
Kickboxing: Muay Thai World Champion (2004), RINGS European Champion (2002).
MMA: Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament Champion (2013), UFC Knockout of the Year (2011 vs. Pat Barry).
5. What was Cheick Kongo’s most memorable UFC fight?
His 2011 comeback victory against Pat Barry at UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry is legendary. Despite being nearly knocked out twice, Kongo landed a fight-ending punch to secure a dramatic win.
6. What is Cheick Kongo’s fighting style and training background?
Kongo began training in Kendo and Karate at age 5, later mastering Muay Thai, Boxing, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. His striking-heavy style incorporates powerful knees and elbows.
7. Has Cheick Kongo won any championships in Bellator MMA?
He won the Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament in 2013 but fell short in his title bid against Vitaly Minakov in 2014.
8. What is Cheick Kongo’s nickname and how did he get it?
Kongo’s nickname is “The Darkness”, which reflects his intimidating presence and fighting style.
9. Is Cheick Kongo still actively fighting?
Kongo has not announced retirement but has no scheduled fights. His last bout was a loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 280 in May 2022.
10. Why did Cheick Kongo change his surname from Ouedraogo?
He adopted “Kongo” to honor his mother’s Congolese heritage, distancing himself from his Burkinabé father, who left the family when he was young.
