What kind of iPod do you have?
An iPod Touch. I used to have another one, but the UFC offered it to me as a gift. It’s very nice!
How important is music to you? Do you listen to music a lot?
Yeah of course, it brings some vibes, you know? I think with music we can get some emotions. Every time we do something in life, you have a little song that can make you happy.
Do you listen to music when you train?
No, only here [at the Wolfslair]. We’ve got some techno, garage and stuff, you know, to push the effort.
Do you have a particular kind of music for heavy training?
I like to use different kinds of music to push myself. Every morning when I run, or when I’m cycling, I like to use thrash music, even some rock or R&B, if it’s a good vibe with a fast beat it will push you and make you work very hard.
What about before a fight? Do you listen to music before a fight?
I found one song I listen to every day, I keep it in my head, just to be focused. It’s called Angels, by Within Temptation. That’s the only song I’ve got in my mind, I can hear all music but there is only one song I keep in my mind, and when I get ready to go to the cage, that’s the one.
When you walk to the Octagon, do you choose the entrance music, and if so, is it special?
Yes, my entrance music is ‘number ten’ [Numéro 10, by Booba, a half-French, half-Senegalese rapper]. In Europe, everybody here knows the best player in soccer is number ten. If you’re number one, you wear number ten, and if you’re not number ten, you’re not on my team. That’s what it means.
What about music for when you go out?
I like 50 Cent, Outta Control - I like this song.
And what about music for the ladies? You know, loving music?
I don’t believe in love anymore. But maybe something from the ‘80s, like Styx, or Soulja Boy, Kiss Me Thru The Phone.
CHEICK KONGO'S TOP 5 ACTS
- ONYX
- KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
- CINDERELLA
- 50 CENT
- WITHIN TEMPTATION
Cheick Kongo spoke with Hywel Teague
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