Gegard Mousasi continues to be at odds with the UFC in terms of getting a new deal done.
Gegard Mousasi is one of the long list of fighters on the UFC roster who has been vocal about their grievances about their salary. But according to UFC president Dana White, Mousasi’s pay is only within reason since he is “not selling out arenas” unlike Mark Hunt and Dan Henderson.
Mousasi fought out the last fight in his contract last April at UFC 210 against Chris Weidman, a fight that was marred by controversy. On his recent appearance at UFC Tonight, Mousasi revealed that he was offered a new contract, but it just was not good enough.
“It’s not good. We don’t like it,” Mousasi told Michael Bisping and Kenny Florian in studio.
“We want to sign with the UFC, and the UFC wants to sign also, so they should pay. I’m co-main event all the time, so it’s not like people don’t know me.”
Even before his UFC stint, Mousasi was already a decorated professional fighter, holding titles under Dream and Strikeforce. He feels he is one of the best middleweights in the game today, which for him merits a bigger payday in the UFC.
“I think I earned it by now,” Mousai said. “I think if you’re one of the best fighters, you should get paid. Sometimes, it’s about nationality. Sage Northcutt, I just heard is making $75,000 (show money) plus $75,000 (win bonus), and the guy is what, a beginner.”
“So, don’t tell me it’s a fair sport,” he continued. “It has to be something with rankings, it has to do with one of the best, you should get paid as one of the best. I’m up there, I fought ten years, more than that, so I think I earned what I should get.”
If you want your future champion, show me the money. #NoMoneyNoHoney pic.twitter.com/TFLMMfcPq5
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) May 25, 2017
Mousasi also says he is eyeing for a fight against Luke Rockhold next, once his new deal is finalized.