Gegard Mousasi seemed to be spacing out during the post-fight press conference for Strikeforce’s final event. It may have been the fact that most of the attention in the room focused on Daniel Cormier’s future plans as well as Tarec Saffiedine’s emergence as a title contender.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Mousasi let it be known that he has some big plans of his own and intends on completing those in the Octagon.
I talked to my manager (and) he spoke to (matchmaker) Joe Silva and the UFC. I believe I’m headed to the UFC. I haven’t been confirmed yet. I’m looking forward to keep busy in 2013 and I want to fight as much as possible. The bigger the name, the better.
Perhaps that explains Mousasi‘s demeanor, as Mike Kyle is a tough fighter but was obviously outclassed by the talented Mousasi. “The Dream” was once at the top of the Strikeforce ladder after winning the promotion’s light heavyweight belt in 2009.
In his first title defense, Mousasi was dominated by Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal. It’s a loss that haunts Mousasi to this day, but he is prepared to prove the doubters wrong.
I think people underestimate me. I lost one fight. I see some fighters lose horribly, getting knocked out, getting submitted. I lost one fight, and suddenly I hear a lot of fans talking that I’m not good.
Indeed, Mousasi wasn’t finished in dominating fashion or even beaten up that badly, he simply had no answer for the takedowns and top control of Lawal. He may also be right about people forgetting how talented this guy really is.
Defeating the likes of Hector Lombard, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Mark Hunt and Renato “Babalu” Sobral doesn’t happen by luck. Still, it’s often the loss to “King Mo” that fans remember most about Mousasi, but he plans on making some new memories in the Octagon.
I’m looking forward to going to the UFC to fight these big names that people think are so good. I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “For sure (I have something to prove). I stepped up my training and I feel very confident. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m sure I’ll do just fine.
If Mousasi has worked on his defensive wrestling skills to compliment his offense, the UFC light heavyweights could be in for some trouble when he crosses into the UFC’s fold.
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