Kongo still injured, likely off 116 versus Nelson

While several sites have reported that the Cheick Kongo vs Roy Nelson was “confirmed” for UFC 116, the Frenchman told us Wednesday during our meeting at the Kongo Smashin’ Club, in his hometwon of Paris, France, that the fight was far from confirmed.

Cheick has received a back injury, that he did not wish to make public until today, during his fight against Paul Buentello at UFC on Versus I.

“I need to start my (fight) preparation, something I have not done yet. I’m still hurt [from the fight against Buentello],” said Kongo.

After undergoing several medical tests in recent weeks, he’s now waiting to see if the injury requires surgery. If so, which is quite possible, he will probably not return to the Octagon on July 3, for UFC 116.

“I do not think it will happen at UFC 116. Maybe later but not now” he said.

“I didn’t get any word from the UFC [on the Nelsn matchup], I have my manager Anthony who’s working on that, and as of today I’m just actively recovering and nothing else” he concluded.

We all wish a speedy recovery to Cheick Kongo and hope his injury will not require surgery so that he could make his return to competition as quickly as possible.

Read entire article… (French)