Gegard Mousasi Believes Win at UFC 204 Places Him Among Contenders

UFC middleweight fighter Gegard Mousai spoke to media Sunday about his upcoming bout against Vitor Belfort. Mousasi agreed with the sentiment of Belfort not being the same since “steroids”, referencing Vitor Belfort no longer being allowed to use testosterone replacement therapy.  Mousasi said “it makes sense now (for him)” then added, “Anderson didn’t want to fight him so…It’s not like he has a lot of choices”.  Mousasi is confident he will beat Belfort and will be in the UFC middleweight division’s top 5.

He thinks he will need another fight before gaining a title shot. “I don’t know what the matches are.Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold or a guy like that then we can go for the title” said Mousasi. The clustering of talent at the top of the division is something Mousasi observed. “You have Jacare now or Yoel Romero, those guys are ahead, if I beat Belfort I am right up there”  said Mousasi. “Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold they’re ex-champions so, with one win they will probably get ahead of me”

Mousasi faces Belfort at UFC 204 in Manchester, England. The card is main evented by Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson in a UFC middleweight championship bout. Mousasi has a past with both fighters. He beat Dan Henderson Januaray of 2015 via TKO. Mousasi and Bisping were matched up for a fight when Bisping was plucked from the bout to face Anderson Silva. Mousasi contributed Bisping’s title win to the “luck” of being picked as a last minute replacement, Luke Rockhold being too confident and Bisping having “nothing to lose.”

UFC 204 is October 8 at Manchester Arena live on pay-per-view. 

a video of the interview can be seen at mmajunkie.com