Gegard Mousasi has picked up multiple championship titles throughout his mixed martial arts career, including a light heavyweight Strikeforce strap and two division titles in DREAM. There is no denying the UFC middleweight contender’s status as one of the elite fighters in mixed martial arts.
However, Mousasi in now at the crossroads on his MMA career, finding himself a free agent after fulfilling the last fight on his UFC contract. “The Dreamcatcher” was open about his own feelings on his pay with the media following his controversial win over Chris Weidman at UFC 210.
“Well I should get paid. I have defeated Jacare (Souza), I have defeated Mark Hunt, I have defeated Dan Henderson, I have defeated Vitor Belfort, I have defeated Weidman. Who else? All of these guys I have defeated and they are making more money than me. What is it? My nationality? Do you want me to dye my hair blonde? What the fuck? I am one of the best, so I should get paid as one of the best! So there is nothing wrong with me. Just pay me what I am worth. I am a fair guy. I am not asking for more than I deserve. You think I cannot beat Bisping? I cannot talk like him what is it?”
UFC President Dana White later responded to Mousasi’s gripes about his pay and stated that the middleweight contender isn’t selling out stadiums like other fighters Mousasi mentioned such as Hunt and Bisping.
MMA journalist Mike Bohn took to twitter to point out a very interesting fact about Mousasi’s stats since fighting in the UFC.
Bohn tweeted, “Sincerely hope the UFC keeps @mousasi_mma around. He’s been a main or co-main event 11 times in 12 UFC appearances. Clearly a useful talent.”
Mousasi replied to Bohn’s tweet adding, “One appearance on the prelims of UFC 200 and that event I almost fought DC as the headline bout before they chose to go with anderson.”
One appearance on the prelims of UFC 200 and that event I almost fought DC as the headline bout before they chose to go with anderson
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) April 10, 2017
Bohn replied, “Exactly. That’s not discussed nearly enough. Hope you get what you deserve, sir.”
Mousasi being the gentleman he is thanked Bohn for his support.
Thank u, Mike
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) April 10, 2017
Do you think the UFC and Gegard Mousasi will reach an agreement on a new UFC contract? Or will Bellator look to pick up another one of the UFC’s top contenders? Let’s get your thoughts in the comment section!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/12/2017.