Former Training Partners Oli Thompson and Cheick Kongo Address Their Upcoming Bellator 172 Bout

MMAjunkie recently spoke with Bellator MMA fighters Oli Thompson and Cheick Kongo, who are set to fight at Bellator 172, Both fighters used to train with each other. Below are some highlights.

Thompson on why he took the fight: “I was told, ‘Cheick’s taking the fight.’ That’s what I said to him. I said, ‘You took the fight.’ He said, ‘No, you took the fight.'”

Kongo’s thoughts on the subject: “We spent a few years together as teammates, so the thing is, that’s pretty weird. I was just like, ‘Why?’ The thing is, we used to be teammates. I understand that you have some people to feed, but don’t be the fight. Or even if you’re going to be the fight, just call me or whatever. I’m not like the freaking people like whatever, just call out the guys and just fight. No. It’s different. It’s way different.”

Thompson on how no offense was taken: “I said, ‘Does Kongo want this fight? I don’t know. He was like, ‘Yeah, he wants this fight’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve seen these games played before.’ Tell Kongo I want the fight, you tell me Kongo wants the fight, both of our male egos go, ‘Er, what?’ And we both said, ‘Well, I’ll do it then.’ But no offense taken. It’s a pleasure. It’s nice to be up amongst the top guys and a fight that really has high stakes and that I can really gain out of by going out there and putting on a big show.”

Kongo on fighting Thompson: “If I have to take a fight against somebody I know or I like, and we are not in conflict, for sure, I would let him know. I would say, ‘OK, you know what? I got the fight, and I picked the fight, so what is your perspective? I have to do it,’ or whatever. Whatever the reason, just say something. On the night, it will be a real physical conflict. For sure it’s going to be business, but you never know how the business will go.”