Cheick Kongo threatens champion Ryan Bader after Bellator 216 win - ‘I will f—k you up for real’

Cheick Kongo became the first fighter to ever defeat Russian heavyweight Vitaly Minakov last night (Sat., Feb. 16, 2019) at Bellator 216 in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the French veteran is looking to parlay his victory into a Bellator title shot.

While Kongo’s performance against Minakov wasn’t anything special to write home about, he did enough to edge out the previously undefeated Russian on the judges’ scorecards, capturing the unanimous decision win and pushing his current win streak to eight. That sort of success usually ends with a shot at gold, which is why Kongo turned his attention to current Bellator heavyweight king Ryan Bader after the fight.

“I had a great performance and I just beat the undefeated (former) champion, Vitaly Minakov,” he said after the fight (via MMAjunkie). “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 f*** you up,” Kongo continued.

“I’m just a little bit tired and just frustrated. Today, (Bellator President Scott 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 f*** you up for real.”

Message received.

Kongo, 43, has compiled a 12-2 record since crossing over to Bellator from UFC back in 2013. And even though the hulking heavyweight has been a decision master of sorts, eking out two split decisions and one majority decision during his current win streak, Kongo has remained in control of all of his fights. Just ask Minakov, who saw his 21-0 professional record take its first hit last night in Connecticut.

With this recent victory in the bag, Kongo is now setting his sights on Bader, who just knocked out the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in 35 seconds last month to win the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix tourney and the Bellator heavyweight title. Bader just so happens to be the promotion’s first double champ, as he holds the light heavyweight crown as well.

We don’t really know what Bellator president Scott Coker has planned for Bader and his two titles, but if “Darth” is going to put his heavyweight strap on the line it would likely come against the red-hot Kongo.

What say you, Maniacs? Did Kongo earn a title shot last night at Bellator 216? What sort of chance does he stand against Bader?

For complete Bellator 216 results and coverage click here.