“I don’t think I am a 'star', I am not that type of person,” Kongo told UFC.com. “But to be recognized and have people like you is a good thing, a great vibe. I am friends with Michael Bisping and he has great support in England and people say France is becoming like that for me. So if I can help MMA in France I am happy to. It is a great pleasure to have French people supporting me.”

Kongo then turned his attention to the undefeated Cain Velasquez, a fight he accepted on short notice, replacing the injured Heath Herring. He noted that he would have to fight Velasquez down the line anyways, on the road to the title, so why not fight him now?

“I only had three weeks to prepare but that is okay,” Kongo stated. “I am always in shape, always. I go the gym two times a day, every day, even if I do not have a fight. When in training I am doing eight hours a day split into four sessions. I am a fighter and I was ready to fight. The only thing is we haven’t much time for strategy, but neither has he because he was supposed to fight Heath Herring. Whoever wins, wins because he is the best fighter on the night. That will be the only reason.”

As for his opponent, Kongo doesn't like his chances.

“He is a respectful fighter, but it is gonna be tough for him to fight me at this stage of his career,” said Kongo. “He needs heart to beat me. Lots of heart. He needs to be very careful. He can be very good, I have heard, but I am not too concerned. He should be the one worried. If I was his manager I wouldn’t want my fighter to fight someone like me so soon.”

Kongo plans on sticking to what brought him to the dance – his kickboxing. He would rather win by TKO or KO than a submission or decision. However, if the opportunity comes for a submission, he would take it but he wants to go through it the easy way.

Kongo obviously wants a title shot, but stopped short of demanding one after this fight. He does feel that a win over Cain Velasquez would put him that much closer.

“Maybe I am going to get a shot after this fight,” he said. “I hope to hear something good after I win this fight. But you never know. I don’t make the rules on these things. I thought I was close before, but all I can do is fight and keep winning and training. I am more confident than ever. I am doing things in my fights that I have done in the gym (for a while) and am getting better. I think I will be UFC Heavyweight Champion, yes.”