The last time middleweight standout Gegard Mousasi fought for an MMA world title was in July 2011, when he defended the DREAM light heavyweight title via first-round TKO against Hiroshi Izumi in Tokyo, Japan. In his succeeding fights under Strikeforce and the UFC through the next six years, “The Dreamcatcher” couldn’t secure a chance to fight for a title belt.
That dry spell will be broken this Friday when Mousasi challenges current Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 200. But for the 32-year-old MMA veteran, having a world title in his possession can be both substantial and insignificant at the same time.
“It means a lot but somehow it also means nothing,” Mousasi told MMAWeekly. “Because it’s just a trophy but that belt is what I worked hard for, for a couple of years.”
“It’s like getting an Oscar as an actor,” he added. “It doesn’t mean anything; you did a good movie let’s say or you’re a good fighter. Getting that belt is just a way to top it off.”
Carvalho has managed to remain undefeated since his professional debut in 2011. With a record of 15-1 (with 12 wins by knockout), his last two title defenses ended in dominant fashion, as he scored knockout victories over Melvin Manhoef and Alessio Sakara, respectively.
Mousasi, however, is liking his chances, nonetheless.
“Of course he’s 14-1, he was undefeated for a very long time,” Mousasi said of Carvalho. “He’s champion for a reason, he’s beat some good fighters but it’s nothing I’ve never seen before. There’s nothing he can really surprise me with. He’s a southpaw and that’s tricky.
“He’s a solid fighter. He’s a strong fighter, a champion for a reason but I’m very well prepared,” he continued. “I studied him very well. I haven’t skipped anything with this fight.”
“I should be able to win this fight 100-percent.”
Bellator 200 is slated to take place at the SSE Arena in London, England. It will be co-headlined by the return of the undefeated Michael Page, who is coming off a year and a half layoff to face David Rickels.