Earlier this week, we learned that former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ and long-time UFC middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi had signed with Bellator MMA, this after failing to agree to the terms of a new UFC deal.
Since the announcement of his move to Bellator, Mousasi has been welcomed to the fold by a number of the promotion’s stars.
Congratulations to Gegard Mousasi!!!
— King Mo (@KingMoFH) July 10, 2017
Get that Bellator money. Gegard Mousasi signs multi-fight Bellator deal after 4-year UFC run #onebyone #welcome
— Linton Vassell (@LDV_TheSwarm) July 10, 2017
Reunited with another outstanding athlete. Welcome to the family @mousasi_mma!! https://t.co/qaZlydiXkg
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) July 10, 2017
BOOOOOM!!! Strikeforce days are back.💪🏻@bellatormma
Proud to announce the signing of top middleweight Gegard @Mousasi to #BellatorMMA! pic.twitter.com/ZnUXqvreht— MarloesCoenen (@MarloesCoenen) July 10, 2017
While the biggest reactions to Mousasi’s move have come from his new Bellator peers, he also received a send-off from one of his long-time rivals in the UFC middleweight division: Yoel Romero.
Fresh off a close decision loss in an interim middleweight title fight with Robert Whittaker, Romero took a moment to tell Mousasi that it would have been fun to fight him in the UFC, but that he wishes him well in the future.
@mousasi_mma it would have been fun my friend. Blessings to you and your family #nogonnaseeyousoonboiii
— Peoples Champ (@YoelRomeroMMA) July 11, 2017
“It would have been fun, my friend” Romero said to Mousasi. “Blessing to you and your family.”
This cordial comment from Romero prompted a response from Mousasi, who returned his good luck wishes in kind.
Thank u @YoelRomeroMMA . I wish you all the best and success in your future. 🙏
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) July 11, 2017
“Thank you [Yoel Romero],” Mousasi replied. “I wish you all the best and success in your future.”
Are you upset we won’t get to see Gegard Mousasi and Yoel Romero fight?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 7/11/2017.