The standoff between Gegard Mousasi and the PFL has come to an unceremonious end.
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The 60-fight veteran was released from his contract after suggesting that he’d pursue legal action for being sidelined after his contract was absorbed in the PFL and Bellator merger.
In an appearance on The MMA Hour, “The Dreamcatcher” accused the new ownership of withholding bout offers from him and other fighters brought over from the old regime because “Bellator fighters make more.”
Head of Fighter Operations Mike Kogan, one of the executives that stayed after the acquisition, released a statement via the official company social channels to announce the split.
Gegard Mousasi’s manager, Nima Safapour described the situation as a chance to “truly see how PFL treats their fighters, especially their legends.
Mousasi’s last appearance was in May of 2023 where he dropped a decision to Fabian Edwards in a number one contender bout.
Growing Discontent
Gegard Mousasi’s complaints echo those of other former Bellator champions who have publicly criticized the new version of their promotional home. Last week former opponent and three-time welterweight champion Douglas Lima tweeted that the PFL didn’t want to honor the last fight on his contract because his “purse was too high.”
Cris Cyborg, who has actively campaigned to return to the cage via numerous social media posts, replied to Lima with “I’m having a hard time getting a bout agreement sent to me too!” The women’s featherweight champion who defended her belt five times, also tagged rival promotion Combate Global in the tweet.
What’s Next for Gegard Mousasi?
As a top contender in a major promotion and only two fights removed from carrying gold, Mousasi will likely enter the open market as a sought-after free agent. At the time of his departure from UFC in 2017, he was enjoying a five fight winning streak and was considered a front runner for a title opportunity before defecting to Bellator and claiming the middleweight throne twice.
With that in mind here are several options for his next fight.
Paulo Costa: The style clash between Mousasi and Costa could present an incredible spectacle. Costa’s aggression and desire to trade would conflict nicely with the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion’s more laid-back technical approach.
Robert Whittaker: When Mousasi left the UFC, he was headed on a collision course with Robert Whittaker. The two barely missed another in the Octagon and have since forged their own paths as champions. Better late than never.
Uriah Hall: While Uriah Hall officially hung up his 4 oz gloves, he flirted with professional boxing, picking up a win against former NFL player Le’Veon Bell. Hall and Mousasi evened each other with highlight reel finishes in the UFC. Concluding a trilogy in the squared circle makes sense.
Luke Rockhold: Another middleweight great that narrowly missed the chance to face Mousasi in the UFC was Luke Rockhold. Since his departure from the promotion, Rockhold has since given BKFC a try along with winning his Karate Combat debut. Mousasi, who has competed in kickboxing and boxing, could make the transition into another combat sport.
Israel Adesanya: Sure, it might not make the most sense from a ranking standpoint (especially considering his rumored title shot against Driscus Du Plessis) but does it matter? This fight could be a good old fashioned striker’s delight.
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