Paris, France – Even though he mentioned it almost in passing, former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi has said he has one more fight after his bout at Bellator 296 on Friday, and then that’ll be it for him.
“I don’t know. Probably it’s going to be the last,” Mousasi told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
Mousasi did mention what fight he wanted after Edwards.
“First Edwards then we go for him (Johnny Eblen) for another shot,” he said.
Eblen was the one to take the title away from Mousasi in the first place. The former champion did not downplay Eblen’s abilities.
“He was more hungry, he was better prepared, the fight after me against (Anatoly) Tokov he did pretty well also. He showed he’s someone to be recognized and not take light. He’s a serious fighter. He’s the champion for a reason,” said Mousasi.
Mousasi is one of the few MMA fighters to have made it to the top without having to be a showman or talk trash. Just get in the cage, fight, and win.
“One thing about America is, as long as you are a good fighter, eventually you will get there. You see Manny Pacquiao coming from Phillipines. He became a superstar in US,” he said.
“I wasn’t the big trash talker so it took me longer to get some recognition, but at the end of the day people recognize if your resume is good. You’re going to get there eventually.”
Speaking of resume’s Mousasi’s is one of the few to have a successful stint in both UFC and Bellator. The former champion compared the rosters’ champions and pointed out which Bellator champs could take on UFC champs.
“I can definitely see some of them beating the champions now. Welterweight to middleweight, light heavyweight, any of them. Heavyweight a little bit more difficult,” he said.
Someone mentioned the heavyweight champion in the UFC is currently Jon Jones. Mousasi laughed.
“Oh yeah heavyweight maybe not. Jon Jones is always tough. I think below heavyweight I would give everyone a great chance of winning.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Gegard Mousasi above. Mousasi headlines Bellator 296 on Friday night against Fabian Edwards.
