Cheick Kongo vs. Timothy Johnson II headlines Bellator Paris on October 10th.

Mandatory Credit: Dan Doherty – Cageside Press

It’s a homecoming for hometown hero, Paris’ own, Cheick Kongo. The veteran knockout artist throws down with Minnesota native, Timothy Johnson in the main event on Bellator Paris on October 10th. in Paris, France.

Initially meeting at Bellator 208 back in October of 2018 – Kongo would score his seventh successive success with a quickfire knockout of Johnson with just over a minute elapsed in the opening round.

Riding a two-fight winning-streak renowned finisher, Johnson has recently bested the likes of fellow UFC alum, Matt Mitrione, and Tyrell Fortune – both in the opening frame.

Recent heavyweight title challenger, Kongo looks to possibly earn another crack at undisputed gold with another victory over Johnson. Featuring opposite then champion, Ryan ‘Darth’ Bader at Bellator 226 in September of last year – the bout was judged a ‘No Contest’ after an accidental eye-poke rendered Bader unable to continue. In May this year, Kongo put pen to paper on a new multi-fight deal with the organization.

A four-fight Bellator veteran, Johnson has so far amassed a 2-2 promotional record. After his aforenoted stoppage loss to Kongo, Johnson faltered against common opponent, Vitaly Minakov the following August. The NCAA Division II wrestler has scored seven knockouts and four submission wins since his professional bow back in October 2010.

After his run with the UFC – Kongo linked up with Bellator back in late 2013 and claimed the season 9 heavyweight tournament with a unanimous judging win over Peter Graham. Playing curtain-closer, the rematch of Kongo and Johnson follows a welterweight co-main event between polarizing striker, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and undefeated former Cage Warriors titleholder, the debuting, Ross ‘The Hitman’ Houston.