Cheick Kongo and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov competed in a heavyweight title eliminator at Bellator 216, with Kongo picking up the decision win.
A victorious Kongo now sets his sights on Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader, whom Kongo wants to deliver the heavyweight strap to him.
“I had a great performance and I just beat the undefeated (former) champion, Vitaly Minakov,” Kongo said after the event (via MMA Junkie). “So the question is: Where’s my belt? Somebody used to hold my belt. The belt wasn’t made with heavyweights, but just light heavyweights. So I want to say something clear: Ryan, wherever you are, just come to give me the belt so I can make it easy for you. If not, I will (expletive) you up.”
Kongo has challenged for the heavyweight title before, losing to Minakov in their first encounter at Bellator 115 in April of 2014.
The newly minted top contender to the heavyweight title admits he has been frustrated in recent times with the heavyweight division.
“I’m just a little bit tired and just frustrated,” Kongo said. “Today, (Coker) is (saying I’m the No. 1 contender). But four years ago, when I used to perform at the same time, I didn’t get the time so the title needs to be vacant. And Bader, just come, please, or I will (expletive) you up for real.”
Bader just won the heavyweight title back at Bellator 214 earlier this year and there is no time frame for when he’ll be back in the cage.
