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{{short description| Dutch kickboxer and mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{short description| Dutch kickboxer and mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Gegard Mousasi
| name = Gegard Mousasi
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| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| other_names = The Dreamcatcher
| other_names = The Dreamcatcher
| nationality = [[Dutch nationality law|Dutch]]
| nationality = Dutch
| ethnicity = [[Armenians|Armenian]]
| ethnicity =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|08|01}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|08|01}}
| birth_place = [[Tehran]], [[Iran]]
| birth_place = [[Tehran]], Iran
| fighting_out_of = [[Leiden]], [[Netherlands]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Leiden]], Netherlands
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
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| mma_koloss = 1
| mma_koloss = 1
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_decloss = 4
| mma_decloss = 5
| mma_draw = 2
| mma_draw = 2
| mma_nc =
| mma_nc =
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| occupation =
| occupation =
| spouse =
| spouse =
| relatives = Gewik Mousasi (brother)
| relatives =
| students =
| students =
| university =
| university =
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| sherdog = 7466
| sherdog = 7466
|weight=185 lb}}
|weight=185 lb}}
'''Gegard Mousasi''' (born 1 August 1985), is a Dutch<!--not Armenian--> [[mixed martial artist]] and former [[kickboxer]], currently competing in [[Bellator MMA]], where he is the former two-time [[Bellator Middleweight Champion]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/7/10/15948416/gegard-mousasi-departs-ufc-for-bellator|title=Gegard Mousasi departs UFC for Bellator|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2017-07-10}}</ref> As of December 13, 2022, he is #10 in the [[Bellator MMA Rankings#Men's pound-for-pound|Bellator men's pound-for-pound rankings]] and #1 in the [[Bellator MMA Rankings#Middleweight|Bellator Middleweight Rankings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bellator Rankings |url=https://www.bellator.com/ranking |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-16}}</ref> He is also the former [[List of Dream champions|DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion]], former [[List of Dream champions|DREAM Middleweight Champion]], former [[Cage Warriors|Cage Warriors World Middleweight Champion]], and the former [[List of Strikeforce champions#Light Heavyweight Championship|Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion]], thus making Mousasi an overall six-time MMA world champion. At the moment of his departure from the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] in July 2017, he was #4 in the official UFC middleweight rankings,<ref name=":0" /> and he is currently ranked the #9 middleweight MMA fighter in the world by [[Fight Matrix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/mma-ranks/middleweight/|title=MMA Middleweight Rankings}}</ref>
'''Gegard Mousasi''' (born 1 August 1985) is a Dutch<!--not Armenian--> [[mixed martial artist]] and former [[kickboxer]]. Mousasi most recently competed in [[Bellator MMA]], where he is the former two-time [[Bellator Middleweight Champion]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/7/10/15948416/gegard-mousasi-departs-ufc-for-bellator|title=Gegard Mousasi departs UFC for Bellator|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2017-07-10}}</ref> He is also the former [[List of Dream champions|DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion]], former [[List of Dream champions|DREAM Middleweight Champion]], former [[Cage Warriors|Cage Warriors World Middleweight Champion]], and the former [[List of Strikeforce champions#Light Heavyweight Championship|Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion]], thus making Mousasi an overall six-time MMA world champion. At the moment of his departure from the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] in July 2017, he was #4 in the official UFC middleweight rankings,<ref name=":0" /> and he is currently ranked the #12 middleweight MMA fighter in the world by [[Fight Matrix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/mma-ranks/middleweight/|title=MMA Middleweight Rankings}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Mousasi was born in [[Tehran]], Iran to ethnic-[[Iranian Armenians|Armenian]] parents during the [[Iran–Iraq War]].<ref name="GMtelegraph">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/mma/2017/10/19/gegard-mousasi-exodus-iran-life-one-worlds-great-road-warriors/|title=Gegard Mousasi: from exodus in Iran to a life as one of the world's great road warriors|last=Davies|first=Gareth A.|date=2017-10-19|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-02-10|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> His family name was changed in Iran long before his birth from [[Movsesian|Mofsesian]] to Mousasi.<ref>{{cite tweet|title=I am a christian, always been christian family name was changed in Iran from mofsesian to mousasi 100 years ago..|number=315425488753545217|user=mousasi_mma|author=Gegard Mousasi|date=23 March 2013|access-date=30 March 2022}}</ref> After spending a year in refugee camps, at the age of four,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mousasi.com/about/|title=About Gegard|access-date=2010-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi Talks About Moving to Bellator|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/ywgna7/gegard-mousasi-talks-about-moving-to-bellator|access-date=2022-02-23|website=www.vice.com|language=en}}</ref> Mousasi and his family relocated to [[Leiden]], Netherlands where he finished grade school before developing an interest in [[martial arts]].<ref name="Europe's Best-Kept Secret">{{cite web| url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/europes-best-kept-secret-10092| title=Europe's Best-Kept Secret| last=Leidecker| first=Tim| access-date=2008-09-25| publisher=Sherdog.com}}</ref> Mousasi began training in [[judo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m1mixfight.com/info/interviews/2008/9/19/gegard-mousasi-exclusive/ |title=Exclusive: Gegard Mousasi |publisher=M1mixfight.com |date=2008-09-19 |access-date=2009-02-25}}</ref> at the age of eight<ref name="GMtelegraph" /> and later [[boxing]] at age 15; a year later he became the amateur boxing champion of the [[Netherlands]] with a 12–1 record, earning nine knockouts. Mousasi then transitioned into [[kickboxing]] and then eventually to [[mixed martial arts]].<ref name="Europe's Best-Kept Secret"/>
Mousasi was born in [[Tehran]], Iran to ethnic-[[Iranian Armenians|Armenian]] parents during the [[Iran–Iraq War]].<ref name="GMtelegraph">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/mma/2017/10/19/gegard-mousasi-exodus-iran-life-one-worlds-great-road-warriors/|title=Gegard Mousasi: from exodus in Iran to a life as one of the world's great road warriors|last=Davies|first=Gareth A.|date=2017-10-19|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-02-10|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> His family name was changed in Iran long before his birth from [[Movsesian|Mofsesian]] to Mousasi.<ref>{{cite tweet|title=I am a christian, always been christian family name was changed in Iran from mofsesian to mousasi 100 years ago..|number=315425488753545217|user=mousasi_mma|author=Gegard Mousasi|date=23 March 2013|access-date=30 March 2022}}</ref> After spending a year in refugee camps, at the age of four,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mousasi.com/about/|title=About Gegard|access-date=2010-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi Talks About Moving to Bellator|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/ywgna7/gegard-mousasi-talks-about-moving-to-bellator|access-date=2022-02-23|website=www.vice.com|language=en}}</ref> Mousasi and his family relocated to [[Leiden]], Netherlands where he finished grade school before developing an interest in [[martial arts]].<ref name="Europe's Best-Kept Secret">{{cite web| url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/europes-best-kept-secret-10092| title=Europe's Best-Kept Secret| last=Leidecker| first=Tim| access-date=2008-09-25| publisher=Sherdog.com}}</ref> Mousasi began training in [[judo]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m1mixfight.com/info/interviews/2008/9/19/gegard-mousasi-exclusive/ |title=Exclusive: Gegard Mousasi |publisher=M1mixfight.com |date=2008-09-19 |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-date=2009-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125202933/http://m1mixfight.com/info/interviews/2008/9/19/gegard-mousasi-exclusive/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> at the age of eight<ref name="GMtelegraph" /> and later [[boxing]] at age 15; a year later he became the amateur boxing champion of the [[Netherlands]] with a 12–1 record, earning nine knockouts. Mousasi then transitioned into [[kickboxing]] and then eventually to [[mixed martial arts]].<ref name="Europe's Best-Kept Secret"/>


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
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===ADCC Championships===
===ADCC Championships===
On November 21, 2008, [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|ADCC]] Europe president Marko Leistén confirmed the signing of Mousasi as one of 2009's ADCC Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/11/21/667313/fedor-emelianenko-gegard-m|title=Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi to Compete in ADCC 2009|author=Luke Thomas|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=2008-11-21}}</ref> It was rumored he would fight in the -88&nbsp;kg category. For unknown reasons, Mousasi never participated in the ADCC 2009 Championships.
On November 21, 2008, [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|ADCC]] Europe president Marko Leistén confirmed the signing of Mousasi as one of ADCC's 2009 competitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/11/21/667313/fedor-emelianenko-gegard-m|title=Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi to Compete in ADCC 2009|author=Luke Thomas|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=2008-11-21}}</ref> It was rumored he would fight in the -88&nbsp;kg category. For unknown reasons, Mousasi never participated in the ADCC 2009 Championships.


===M-1 Global===
===M-1 Global===
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===Affliction===
===Affliction===
Mousasi was set to fight [[Renato Sobral]] at ''[[Affliction: Trilogy]]'' on August 1, 2009, but the event was canceled after losing its main event 10 days prior to the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/mma/4043/affliction_releases_official_statement_on_cancellation |title=Affliction Releases Official Statement on Cancellation |date=2009-07-24 |publisher=The Fight Network |access-date=2009-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726170207/http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/mma/4043/affliction_releases_official_statement_on_cancellation |archive-date=2009-07-26 }}</ref> It was originally planned for him to face [[Vitor Belfort]] at that event, but there was a disagreement between both fighters over which [[Mixed martial arts weight classes|weight class]] the fight would be fought at.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stupp |first=Dann |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15001/mousasi-refuses-affliction-iii-middleweight-bout-challanges-belfort-to-catch-weight.mma |title=Mousasi refuses Affliction III middleweight bout, challenges Belfort to catch-weight |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |access-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref>
Mousasi was set to fight [[Renato Sobral]] at ''[[Affliction: Trilogy]]'' on August 1, 2009, but the event was canceled after losing its main event 10 days prior to the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/mma/4043/affliction_releases_official_statement_on_cancellation |title=Affliction Releases Official Statement on Cancellation |date=2009-07-24 |publisher=The Fight Network |access-date=2009-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726170207/http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/mma/4043/affliction_releases_official_statement_on_cancellation |archive-date=2009-07-26 }}</ref> It was originally planned for him to face [[Vitor Belfort]] at that event, but there was a disagreement between both fighters over which [[Mixed martial arts weight classes|weight class]] the fight would be fought at.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stupp |first=Dann |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15001/mousasi-refuses-affliction-iii-middleweight-bout-challanges-belfort-to-catch-weight.mma |title=Mousasi refuses Affliction III middleweight bout, challenges Belfort to catch-weight |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |access-date=May 30, 2009 |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530064000/http://mmajunkie.com/news/15001/mousasi-refuses-affliction-iii-middleweight-bout-challanges-belfort-to-catch-weight.mma |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Strikeforce and Dream===
===Strikeforce and Dream===
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Mousasi quickly defeated [[journeyman (boxing)|journeyman]] [[Gary Goodridge]] under [[mixed martial arts|MMA]] rules at [[Dynamite!! 2009]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.headkicklegend.com/2009/12/31/1227917/gegard-mousasi-respectfully|title=Gegard Mousasi Respectfully Dispatches Gary Goodridge |publisher=headkicklegend.com|access-date=2009-12-31}}</ref>
Mousasi quickly defeated [[journeyman (boxing)|journeyman]] [[Gary Goodridge]] under [[mixed martial arts|MMA]] rules at [[Dynamite!! 2009]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.headkicklegend.com/2009/12/31/1227917/gegard-mousasi-respectfully|title=Gegard Mousasi Respectfully Dispatches Gary Goodridge |publisher=headkicklegend.com|access-date=2009-12-31}}</ref>


On April 17, 2010, Mousasi lost the [[List of Strikeforce champions#Light Heavyweight Championship|Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship]] belt in his first defense to [[Muhammed Lawal]] by way of unanimous decision. Lawal landed 11 of 14 takedowns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/2760| title=Strikeforce - Nashville |date=April 17, 2010 |access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> however Mousasi had outlanded Lawal in Total Punches 171 to 125. Mousasi was also given a point deduction following an illegal up-kick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaforreal.com/2010/4/19/1430609/fightmetric-releases-stats-for|title=FightMetric Releases Stats For King Mo Lawal vs. Mousasi, Quality Over Quantity|publisher=mmaforreal.com|access-date=2010-04-19}}</ref> Lawal would later test positive for anabolic steroids following a fight with Lorenz Larkin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27008/strikeforces-king-mo-lawal-tests-positive-for-anabolic-steroid-fighter-denies-use.mma|title=Strikeforce's 'King Mo' Lawal tests positive for anabolic steroid, fighter denies use|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2012-01-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716221348/mmajunkie.com/news/27008/strikeforces-king-mo-lawal-tests-positive-for-anabolic-steroid-fighter-denies-use.mma|archive-date=2012-07-16}}</ref>
On April 17, 2010, Mousasi lost the [[List of Strikeforce champions#Light Heavyweight Championship|Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship]] belt in his first defense to [[Muhammed Lawal]] by way of unanimous decision. Lawal landed 11 of 14 takedowns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/2760|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615050313/http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/2760|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2013|title=Strikeforce - Nashville|date=April 17, 2010|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> however Mousasi had outlanded Lawal in Total Punches 171 to 125. Mousasi was also given a point deduction following an illegal up-kick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaforreal.com/2010/4/19/1430609/fightmetric-releases-stats-for|title=FightMetric Releases Stats For King Mo Lawal vs. Mousasi, Quality Over Quantity|publisher=mmaforreal.com|access-date=2010-04-19}}</ref> Lawal would later test positive for anabolic steroids following a fight with [[Lorenz Larkin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27008/strikeforces-king-mo-lawal-tests-positive-for-anabolic-steroid-fighter-denies-use.mma|title=Strikeforce's 'King Mo' Lawal tests positive for anabolic steroid, fighter denies use|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2012-01-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716221348/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27008/strikeforces-king-mo-lawal-tests-positive-for-anabolic-steroid-fighter-denies-use.mma|archive-date=2012-07-16}}</ref>


===Dream Light Heavyweight Grand Prix===
===Dream Light Heavyweight Grand Prix===
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===Last of Strikeforce===
===Last of Strikeforce===
Mousasi was expected to face [[Mike Kyle]] on April 9, 2011 at [[Strikeforce 33]]. However, Kyle was forced off the card with an injury and was replaced by [[Keith Jardine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23087/jardine-replaces-injured-kyle-faces-mousasi-at-strikeforce-diaz-vs-daley.mma|title=Jardine replaces injured Kyle, faces Mousasi at "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley"|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2011-04-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405164429/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23087/jardine-replaces-injured-kyle-faces-mousasi-at-strikeforce-diaz-vs-daley.mma|archive-date=2011-04-05}}</ref> The fight resulted in a majority draw due to an illegal upkick in the first round which resulted in a point deduction for Mousasi. Otherwise the bout would've been a unanimous decision victory for Mousasi. According to Fightmetric statistics, Mousasi outstruck Jardine 146 to 21. After the fight in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting.com, Strikeforce CEO [[Scott Coker]] stated “I’ve got a lot of respect for Keith Jardine, but I think Gegard won the fight.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fighters.com/04/11/strikeforce-ceo-scott-coker-mousasi-vs-jardine-ii-likely|title=Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker: Mousasi vs. Jardine II likely|publisher=fighters.com|access-date=2011-04-11}}</ref> In the same interview, Coker also stated that a rematch between Mousasi and Jardine was definitely a possibility for the future. MMA Fighting.com named this fight their Runner-Up for "Robbery of the Half-Year."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/07/10/robbery-of-the-half-year-nick-ring-vs-riki-fukuda|title=Robbery of the Half-Year: Nick Ring vs. Riki Fukuda|publisher=mmafighting.com|access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref>
Mousasi was expected to face [[Mike Kyle]] on April 9, 2011 at [[Strikeforce 33]]. However, Kyle was forced off the card with an injury and was replaced by [[Keith Jardine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23087/jardine-replaces-injured-kyle-faces-mousasi-at-strikeforce-diaz-vs-daley.mma|title=Jardine replaces injured Kyle, faces Mousasi at "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley"|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2011-04-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405164429/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23087/jardine-replaces-injured-kyle-faces-mousasi-at-strikeforce-diaz-vs-daley.mma|archive-date=2011-04-05}}</ref> The fight resulted in a majority draw due to an illegal upkick in the first round which resulted in a point deduction for Mousasi. Otherwise the bout would've been a unanimous decision victory for Mousasi. According to Fightmetric statistics, Mousasi outstruck Jardine 146 to 21. After the fight in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting.com, Strikeforce CEO [[Scott Coker]] stated “I’ve got a lot of respect for Keith Jardine, but I think Gegard won the fight.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fighters.com/04/11/strikeforce-ceo-scott-coker-mousasi-vs-jardine-ii-likely|title=Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker: Mousasi vs. Jardine II likely|publisher=fighters.com|access-date=2011-04-11|archive-date=2011-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413072655/http://www.fighters.com/04/11/strikeforce-ceo-scott-coker-mousasi-vs-jardine-ii-likely|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the same interview, Coker also stated that a rematch between Mousasi and Jardine was definitely a possibility for the future. MMA Fighting.com named this fight their Runner-Up for "Robbery of the Half-Year."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/07/10/robbery-of-the-half-year-nick-ring-vs-riki-fukuda|title=Robbery of the Half-Year: Nick Ring vs. Riki Fukuda|publisher=mmafighting.com|access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref>


Mousasi returned to Strikeforce to face [[Ovince Saint Preux]] on December 17, 2011 at [[Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25320/ovince-st-preux-vs-ex-champ-gegard-mousasi-booked-for-dec-17-strikeforce-event.mma|title=Ovince St. Preux vs. ex-champ Gegard Mousasi booked for Dec. 17 Strikeforce event |publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2011-09-20}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision, showing improved takedown defense and wrestling.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.com Staff |title=Strikeforce Play-by-Play: Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/strikeforce-play-by-play-gegard-mousasi-vs-ovince-st-preux |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>
Mousasi returned to Strikeforce to face [[Ovince Saint Preux]] on December 17, 2011 at [[Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25320/ovince-st-preux-vs-ex-champ-gegard-mousasi-booked-for-dec-17-strikeforce-event.mma|title=Ovince St. Preux vs. ex-champ Gegard Mousasi booked for Dec. 17 Strikeforce event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2011-09-20|access-date=2011-09-21|archive-date=2011-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924140509/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25320/ovince-st-preux-vs-ex-champ-gegard-mousasi-booked-for-dec-17-strikeforce-event.mma|url-status=dead}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision, showing improved takedown defense and wrestling.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.com Staff |title=Strikeforce Play-by-Play: Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/strikeforce-play-by-play-gegard-mousasi-vs-ovince-st-preux |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>


Mousasi was expected to face [[Mike Kyle]] at [[Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey]], but Kyle once again withdrew due to injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27396/injured-mike-kyle-scratches-from-strikeforce-tate-vs-rousey-co-headliner.mma|title=Injured Mike Kyle scratches from 'Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey' co-headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-02-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215064653/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27396/injured-mike-kyle-scratches-from-strikeforce-tate-vs-rousey-co-headliner.mma|archive-date=2012-02-15}}</ref>
Mousasi was expected to face [[Mike Kyle]] at [[Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey]], but Kyle once again withdrew due to injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27396/injured-mike-kyle-scratches-from-strikeforce-tate-vs-rousey-co-headliner.mma|title=Injured Mike Kyle scratches from 'Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey' co-headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-02-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215064653/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27396/injured-mike-kyle-scratches-from-strikeforce-tate-vs-rousey-co-headliner.mma|archive-date=2012-02-15}}</ref>


Mousasi was later recovering from knee surgery following a torn [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] and was expected to fully recover by November, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taggradio.com/index2.php?page=archives&display=1552|title=Guests: Gegard Mousasi and Jessica Penne. Mousasi is recuperating from knee surgery, while Penne is coming off a win at Invicta FC.|publisher=taggradio.com|date=2012-05-02}}</ref> He also signed a new contract for six more fights with the organization, making a total of seven. However, with Strikeforce having shut down,<ref>{{cite web|title=The End of Strikeforce|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/11/8/3621102/strikeforce-closing-ufc-zuffa-ronda-rousey-daniel-cormier|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=15 December 2012}}</ref> this contract was likely now null and void.
Mousasi was later recovering from knee surgery following a torn [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] and was expected to fully recover by November, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taggradio.com/index2.php?page=archives&display=1552|title=Guests: Gegard Mousasi and Jessica Penne. Mousasi is recuperating from knee surgery, while Penne is coming off a win at Invicta FC.|publisher=taggradio.com|date=2012-05-02|access-date=2012-05-09|archive-date=2012-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512023159/http://taggradio.com/index2.php?page=archives&display=1552|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also signed a new contract for six more fights with the organization, making a total of seven. However, with Strikeforce having shut down,<ref>{{cite web|title=The End of Strikeforce|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/11/8/3621102/strikeforce-closing-ufc-zuffa-ronda-rousey-daniel-cormier|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=15 December 2012}}</ref> this contract was likely now null and void.


Mousasi faced [[Mike Kyle]] at [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]] on January 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strikeforce.com/event/SF6|title=STRIKEFORCE® MARQUARDT VS. SAFFIEDINE|publisher=strikeforce.com|date=2012-11-30}}</ref> After avoiding most of Kyle's strikes in the early going, Mousasi took the fight to the ground and went on to finish the fight via rear-naked choke submission late in the first round. This was the fourth time a fight between Mousasi and Kyle was scheduled and the first time it wasn't canceled.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rontek |first1=Riley |title=Strikeforce Results: What We Learned from Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1481937-strikeforce-results-what-we-learned-from-gegard-mousasi-vs-mike-kyle |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>
Mousasi faced [[Mike Kyle]] at [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]] on January 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strikeforce.com/event/SF6|title=STRIKEFORCE® MARQUARDT VS. SAFFIEDINE|publisher=strikeforce.com|date=2012-11-30}}</ref> After avoiding most of Kyle's strikes in the early going, Mousasi took the fight to the ground and went on to finish the fight via rear-naked choke submission late in the first round. This was the fourth time a fight between Mousasi and Kyle was scheduled and the first time it wasn't canceled.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rontek |first1=Riley |title=Strikeforce Results: What We Learned from Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1481937-strikeforce-results-what-we-learned-from-gegard-mousasi-vs-mike-kyle |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>
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On January 15, 2013, the UFC announced<ref name="mmajunkie.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/ufc-unveils-list-of-fighters-moving-from-strikeforce-to-ufc|title='UFC Tonight' unveils list of fighters moving from Strikeforce to UFC|date=2013-01-16|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff}}</ref> Mousasi would be joining 19 other [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] fighters in a move to the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] after his win over [[Mike Kyle]] at the promotion's last event, [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]].
On January 15, 2013, the UFC announced<ref name="mmajunkie.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/ufc-unveils-list-of-fighters-moving-from-strikeforce-to-ufc|title='UFC Tonight' unveils list of fighters moving from Strikeforce to UFC|date=2013-01-16|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff}}</ref> Mousasi would be joining 19 other [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] fighters in a move to the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] after his win over [[Mike Kyle]] at the promotion's last event, [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]].


Mousasi was expected to make his promotional debut against [[Alexander Gustafsson]] on April 6, 2013 at [[UFC on Fuel TV 9]].<ref name="Fuel9">{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/19/3893586/alexander-gustafsson-vs-gegard-mousasi-slated-for-april-in-sweden |title=Alexander Gustafsson vs. Gegard Mousasi slated for April in Sweden |publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Ariel Helwani|date=January 19, 2013}}</ref> However, on March 30, Gustafsson suffered a cut in training and, on April 2, was deemed unclear to participate by the Swedish MMA Federation.<ref>{{cite web|title=SMMAF: Alexander Gustafsson 'will not be fit to compete as planned and cannot be medically cleared'|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4174860/alexander-gustafsson-ufc-fuel-mousasi-fight-cancelled-cut|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=2 April 2013}}</ref> Gustafsson was replaced by [[Ilir Latifi]], a UFC newcomer and training partner of Gustafsson.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC on Fuel 9: Gegard Mousasi meets Ilir Latifi, training partner of Gustafsson|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4176362/ufc-on-fuel-9-gegard-mousasi-vs-iliir-latifi-gustafsson|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=2 April 2013}}</ref> Mousasi won by unanimous decision, avoiding his opponent's takedown attempts and dominating the fight on the feet. He fought with an injured knee and underwent surgery after the fight. UFC President [[Dana White]] praised Mousasi for going through with the fight injured and in his opponents home, as well as accepting a late change of opponents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi fought Ilir Latifi on injured knee, will undergo surgery|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2013/4/6/4191706/gegard-mousasi-fought-ilir-latifi-on-injured-knee-will-undergo-surgery|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=6 April 2013}}</ref>
Mousasi was expected to make his promotional debut against [[Alexander Gustafsson]] on April 6, 2013 at [[UFC on Fuel TV 9]].<ref name="Fuel9">{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/19/3893586/alexander-gustafsson-vs-gegard-mousasi-slated-for-april-in-sweden |title=Alexander Gustafsson vs. Gegard Mousasi slated for April in Sweden |publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Ariel Helwani|date=January 19, 2013}}</ref> However, on March 30, Gustafsson suffered a cut in training and, on April 2, was deemed unclear to participate by the Swedish MMA Federation.<ref>{{cite web|title=SMMAF: Alexander Gustafsson 'will not be fit to compete as planned and cannot be medically cleared'|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4174860/alexander-gustafsson-ufc-fuel-mousasi-fight-cancelled-cut|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=2 April 2013|archive-date=4 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404094117/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4174860/alexander-gustafsson-ufc-fuel-mousasi-fight-cancelled-cut|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gustafsson was replaced by [[Ilir Latifi]], a UFC newcomer and training partner of Gustafsson.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC on Fuel 9: Gegard Mousasi meets Ilir Latifi, training partner of Gustafsson|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4176362/ufc-on-fuel-9-gegard-mousasi-vs-iliir-latifi-gustafsson|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|access-date=2 April 2013|archive-date=4 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404094122/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/4/2/4176362/ufc-on-fuel-9-gegard-mousasi-vs-iliir-latifi-gustafsson|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mousasi won by unanimous decision, avoiding his opponent's takedown attempts and dominating the fight on the feet. He fought with an injured knee and underwent surgery after the fight. UFC President [[Dana White]] praised Mousasi for going through with the fight injured and in his opponents home, as well as accepting a late change of opponents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi fought Ilir Latifi on injured knee, will undergo surgery|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2013/4/6/4191706/gegard-mousasi-fought-ilir-latifi-on-injured-knee-will-undergo-surgery|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=6 April 2013}}</ref>


====Drop to middleweight====
====Drop to middleweight====
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{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/uriah-hall-in-for-injured-roan-carneiro-vs-gegard-mousasi-at-ufc-fight-night-75-in-japan|title=Uriah Hall in for injured Roan Carneiro vs. Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night 75 in Japan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-08-19}}</ref> After dominating the opening round, Mousasi was finished early in the second after absorbing a jumping spinning back kick, flying knee and follow-up punches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/ufc-fight-night-75-results-uriah-hall-spinning-kick-nets-tko-upset-of-gegard-mousasi|title=UFC Fight Night 75 results: Uriah Hall spinning kick nets TKO upset of Gegard Mousasi|author=Brent Brookhouse|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-09-27|access-date=2015-09-27}}</ref>
{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/uriah-hall-in-for-injured-roan-carneiro-vs-gegard-mousasi-at-ufc-fight-night-75-in-japan|title=Uriah Hall in for injured Roan Carneiro vs. Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night 75 in Japan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-08-19}}</ref> After dominating the opening round, Mousasi was finished early in the second after absorbing a jumping spinning back kick, flying knee and follow-up punches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/ufc-fight-night-75-results-uriah-hall-spinning-kick-nets-tko-upset-of-gegard-mousasi|title=UFC Fight Night 75 results: Uriah Hall spinning kick nets TKO upset of Gegard Mousasi|author=Brent Brookhouse|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-09-27|access-date=2015-09-27}}</ref>


Mousasi was briefly linked to a fight with [[Michael Bisping]] on February 27, 2016 at [[UFC Fight Night 84]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/michael-bisping-vs-gegard-mousasi-headlines-ufc-fight-night-83-in-london|title=Michael Bisping vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC Fight Night 83 in London|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=1 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> However, on December 24, 2015, Bisping was pulled from the bout in favor of a matchup with [[Anderson Silva]] at the same event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/14433836/middleweights-anderson-silva-michael-bisping-headline-ufc-event-london-feb-27|title=Anderson Silva, Michael Bisping to headline UFC event in London|author=Brett Okamoto|publisher=espn.go.com|date=2015-12-25|access-date=2015-12-25}}</ref> Mousasi instead faced [[Thales Leites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/londons-ufc-fight-night-83-silva-vs-bisping-lineup-is-set|title=London's 'UFC Fight Night 83 Silva vs. Bisping' lineup is set|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-01-01|access-date=2016-02-28}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/27/11127422/ufc-fight-night-84-results-gegard-mousasi-decisions-thales-leites|title=UFC Fight Night 84 results: Gegard Mousasi decisions Thales Leites|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2016-02-27|access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>
Mousasi was briefly linked to a fight with [[Michael Bisping]] on February 27, 2016 at [[UFC Fight Night 84]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/michael-bisping-vs-gegard-mousasi-headlines-ufc-fight-night-83-in-london|title=Michael Bisping vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC Fight Night 83 in London|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=1 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> However, on December 24, 2015, Bisping was pulled from the bout in favor of a matchup with [[Anderson Silva]] at the same event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/14433836/middleweights-anderson-silva-michael-bisping-headline-ufc-event-london-feb-27|title=Anderson Silva, Michael Bisping to headline UFC event in London|author=Brett Okamoto|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=2015-12-25|access-date=2015-12-25}}</ref> Mousasi instead faced [[Thales Leites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/londons-ufc-fight-night-83-silva-vs-bisping-lineup-is-set|title=London's 'UFC Fight Night 83 Silva vs. Bisping' lineup is set|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-01-01|access-date=2016-02-28}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/27/11127422/ufc-fight-night-84-results-gegard-mousasi-decisions-thales-leites|title=UFC Fight Night 84 results: Gegard Mousasi decisions Thales Leites|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2016-02-27|access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref>


Mousasi was expected to face [[Derek Brunson]] on July 9, 2016 at [[UFC 200]]. It was later revealed that Brunson was forced to pull out of the fight, and that [[Thiago Santos (fighter)|Thiago Santos]] would replace him to fight Mousasi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/6/19/11973482/mma-news-report-with-brunson-out-thiago-santos-fights-gegard-mousasi-at-ufc-200|title=Report: With Brunson out, Thiago Santos fights Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200|author=Mookie Alexander|date=2016-06-19|website=bloodyelbow.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-20}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round and was awarded a ''Performance of the Night'' bonus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-200-results-gegard-mousasi-crushes-thiago-marreta-santos-for-first-round-knockout-1|title=UFC 200 results: Gegard Mousasi crushes Thiago 'Marreta' Santos for first-round knockout|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2016-07-09|access-date=2016-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-200-Bonuses-Nunes-Velasquez-Lauzon-Mousasi-Earn-3650K-Awards-107737|title=UFC 200 bonuses: Nunes, Velasquez, Lauzon, Mousasi earn $50k awards|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-07-09|access-date=2016-07-10}}</ref>
Mousasi was expected to face [[Derek Brunson]] on July 9, 2016 at [[UFC 200]]. It was later revealed that Brunson was forced to pull out of the fight, and that [[Thiago Santos (fighter)|Thiago Santos]] would replace him to fight Mousasi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/6/19/11973482/mma-news-report-with-brunson-out-thiago-santos-fights-gegard-mousasi-at-ufc-200|title=Report: With Brunson out, Thiago Santos fights Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200|author=Mookie Alexander|date=2016-06-19|website=bloodyelbow.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-20}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round and was awarded a ''Performance of the Night'' bonus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-200-results-gegard-mousasi-crushes-thiago-marreta-santos-for-first-round-knockout-1|title=UFC 200 results: Gegard Mousasi crushes Thiago 'Marreta' Santos for first-round knockout|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2016-07-09|access-date=2016-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-200-Bonuses-Nunes-Velasquez-Lauzon-Mousasi-Earn-3650K-Awards-107737|title=UFC 200 bonuses: Nunes, Velasquez, Lauzon, Mousasi earn $50k awards|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-07-09|access-date=2016-07-10}}</ref>
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Mousasi next faced [[Uriah Hall]] in a rematch on November 19, 2016 at [[UFC Fight Night 99]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/10/21/13363116/gegard-mousasi-vs-uriah-hall-2-to-main-event-ufc-belfast-with-gunnar|title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Uriah Hall 2 to main event UFC Belfast|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2016-10-21|access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/11/ufc-fight-night-99-results-gegard-mousasi-gets-revenge-stops-uriah-hall-in-first-1|title=UFC Fight Night 99 results: Gegard Mousasi gets revenge, stops Uriah Hall in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Dann Stupp|date=2016-11-19|access-date=2016-11-19}}</ref>
Mousasi next faced [[Uriah Hall]] in a rematch on November 19, 2016 at [[UFC Fight Night 99]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/10/21/13363116/gegard-mousasi-vs-uriah-hall-2-to-main-event-ufc-belfast-with-gunnar|title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Uriah Hall 2 to main event UFC Belfast|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2016-10-21|access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/11/ufc-fight-night-99-results-gegard-mousasi-gets-revenge-stops-uriah-hall-in-first-1|title=UFC Fight Night 99 results: Gegard Mousasi gets revenge, stops Uriah Hall in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Dann Stupp|date=2016-11-19|access-date=2016-11-19}}</ref>


Mousasi faced [[Chris Weidman]] at [[UFC 210]] on April 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/chris-weidman-vs-gegard-mousasi-set-for-ufc-210-in-buffalo-1.12983637|title=Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC 210 in Buffalo|publisher=newsday.com|author=Mark LaMonica|access-date=2016-01-19|date=2017-01-19}}</ref> In the second round, Mousasi hit Weidman with two knees to the head, the latter of which had referee Dan Miragliotta interrupt the fight because he mistakenly thought it was illegal. However, upon consultation with another referee "Big" John McCarthy, both knees appeared to be legal under the new unified rules introduced since 2017. Ultimately, the bout was ended and deemed a TKO win for Mousasi.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fowlkes|first1=Ben|title=UFC 210 results: Gegard Mousasi's TKO win over Chris Weidman embroiled in controversy|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/04/ufc-210-results-gegard-mousasis-tko-win-over-chris-weidman-embroiled-in-controversy|publisher=MMAJunkie|date=April 9, 2017}}</ref> Mousasi accused Weidman of trying to win the fight by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi says Chris Weidman was hunting for a DQ, 'trying to find a way out'|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/9/15234718/gegard-mousasi-says-chris-weidman-was-hunting-for-a-dq-trying-to-find-a-way-out|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=9 April 2017|date=9 April 2017}}</ref> Weidman admitted he was expecting to win the fight by disqualification. He was only willing to continue when told the knee was legal after almost two minutes of the allotted five to recover by Miragliotta under the assumption the knee was illegal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Weidman plans to appeal controversial loss to Gegard Mousasi: 'I got screwed'|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/9/15234508/chris-weidman-plans-to-appeal-controversial-loss-to-gegard-mousasi-i-got-screwed|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=9 April 2017|date=9 April 2017}}</ref> Audio from Weidman's corner revealed [[Matt Serra]] saying Weidman told physicians he thought it was February. Being unable to tell medical staff the correct date possibly influenced their decision not to let him continue.<ref>{{cite news|title=AUDIO EMERGES OF CHRIS WEIDMAN'S UFC 210 CORNER; WEIDMAN THOUGHT IT WAS FEBRUARY|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Audio-Emerges-of-Chris-Weidmans-UFC-210-Corner-Weidman-Thought-it-Was-February-119947|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=10 April 2017|access-date=11 April 2017}}</ref> The [[NYSAC]] released a statement that instant replay had been used legally to determine if the knee was legal, disproving the claim of UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs [[Marc Ratner]] who had told [[Joe Rogan]] otherwise on the live pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|title=NYSAC: Instant replay legally used for Gegard Mousasi vs. Chris Weidman at UFC 210|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/11/15264748/nysac-instant-replay-legally-used-for-gegard-mousasi-vs-chris-weidman-at-ufc-210|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=11 April 2017|date=11 April 2017}}</ref>
Mousasi faced [[Chris Weidman]] at [[UFC 210]] on April 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/chris-weidman-vs-gegard-mousasi-set-for-ufc-210-in-buffalo-1.12983637|title=Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC 210 in Buffalo|publisher=newsday.com|author=Mark LaMonica|access-date=2016-01-19|date=2017-01-19}}</ref> In the second round, Mousasi hit Weidman with two knees to the head, the latter of which had referee [[Dan Miragliotta]] interrupt the fight because he mistakenly thought it was illegal. However, upon consultation with another referee "Big" John McCarthy, both knees appeared to be legal under the new unified rules introduced since 2017. Ultimately, the bout was ended and deemed a TKO win for Mousasi.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fowlkes|first1=Ben|title=UFC 210 results: Gegard Mousasi's TKO win over Chris Weidman embroiled in controversy|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/04/ufc-210-results-gegard-mousasis-tko-win-over-chris-weidman-embroiled-in-controversy|publisher=MMAJunkie|date=April 9, 2017}}</ref> Mousasi accused Weidman of trying to win the fight by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gegard Mousasi says Chris Weidman was hunting for a DQ, 'trying to find a way out'|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/9/15234718/gegard-mousasi-says-chris-weidman-was-hunting-for-a-dq-trying-to-find-a-way-out|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=9 April 2017|date=9 April 2017}}</ref> Weidman admitted he was expecting to win the fight by disqualification. He was only willing to continue when told the knee was legal after almost two minutes of the allotted five to recover by Miragliotta under the assumption the knee was illegal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Weidman plans to appeal controversial loss to Gegard Mousasi: 'I got screwed'|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/9/15234508/chris-weidman-plans-to-appeal-controversial-loss-to-gegard-mousasi-i-got-screwed|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=9 April 2017|date=9 April 2017}}</ref> Audio from Weidman's corner revealed [[Matt Serra]] saying Weidman told physicians he thought it was February. Being unable to tell medical staff the correct date possibly influenced their decision not to let him continue.<ref>{{cite news|title=AUDIO EMERGES OF CHRIS WEIDMAN'S UFC 210 CORNER; WEIDMAN THOUGHT IT WAS FEBRUARY|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Audio-Emerges-of-Chris-Weidmans-UFC-210-Corner-Weidman-Thought-it-Was-February-119947|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=10 April 2017|access-date=11 April 2017}}</ref> The [[NYSAC]] released a statement that instant replay had been used legally to determine if the knee was legal, disproving the claim of UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs [[Marc Ratner]] who had told [[Joe Rogan]] otherwise on the live pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|title=NYSAC: Instant replay legally used for Gegard Mousasi vs. Chris Weidman at UFC 210|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/11/15264748/nysac-instant-replay-legally-used-for-gegard-mousasi-vs-chris-weidman-at-ufc-210|website=mmafighting.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|access-date=11 April 2017|date=11 April 2017}}</ref>


=== Bellator MMA ===
=== Bellator MMA ===
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====Second title reign====
====Second title reign====
In February 2020, it was announced that [[Rafael Lovato Jr.]] was forced to relinquish the [[Bellator Middleweight World Championship]] due to a [[cavernoma|cerebral cavernoma]]. Bellator then announced that Mousasi would face current [[Bellator Welterweight Champion]] [[Douglas Lima]] for the vacant [[Bellator Middleweight World Championship]] at [[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 242|Bellator 242]] on 9 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/2/11/21133512/welterweight-champion-douglas-lima-faces-gegard-mousasi-for-vacant-middleweight-title-bellator-243|title=Welterweight champion Douglas Lima faces Gegard Mousasi for vacant middleweight title at Bellator 243|work=MMAFighing.com|date=11 February 2020}}</ref> At the time, Mousasi also signed a new, eight-fight contract with Bellator.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uImw3nB1WU|title=Gegard Mousasi Issues Challenge To Box Anderson Silva: ‘Don't Run’|date=February 24, 2022|author=[[Ariel Helwani]]|via=YouTube}}</ref> However, it was announced that Bellator 242 and Mousasi's fight against Lima would be postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="BellatorCancels">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/bellator-cancels-may-three-shows-coronavirus-concerns|title=Bellator postpones next three shows due to coronavirus concerns|publisher=MMA Junkie|website=mmajunkie.com|date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> Mousasi's bout against Lima was rescheduled to take place at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 250|Bellator 250]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/gegard-mousasi-vs-douglas-lima-vacant-middleweight-title-bellator-250/amp|title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Douglas Lima middleweight title bout rebooked for Bellator 250|work=MMAJunkie.com|date=September 11, 2020|author=MMA Junkie Stuff|access-date=September 11, 2020}}</ref> Mousasi won the fight via unanimous decision and claimed the title for a second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/29/bellator-250-results-mousasi-vs-lima/|title=Bellator 250 Results: Gegard Mousasi Reclaims Middleweight Title|work=Cagesidepress.com|date=October 29, 2020|author= Jay Anderson|access-date=October 29, 2020}}</ref>
In February 2020, it was announced that [[Rafael Lovato Jr.]] was forced to relinquish the [[Bellator Middleweight World Championship]] due to a [[cavernoma|cerebral cavernoma]]. Bellator then announced that Mousasi would face current [[Bellator Welterweight Champion]] [[Douglas Lima]] for the vacant [[Bellator Middleweight World Championship]] at [[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 242|Bellator 242]] on 9 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/2/11/21133512/welterweight-champion-douglas-lima-faces-gegard-mousasi-for-vacant-middleweight-title-bellator-243|title=Welterweight champion Douglas Lima faces Gegard Mousasi for vacant middleweight title at Bellator 243|work=MMAFighing.com|date=11 February 2020}}</ref> At the time, Mousasi also signed a new, eight-fight contract with Bellator.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uImw3nB1WU|title=Gegard Mousasi Issues Challenge To Box Anderson Silva: 'Don't Run'|date=February 24, 2022|author=[[Ariel Helwani]]|via=YouTube}}</ref> However, it was announced that Bellator 242 and Mousasi's fight against Lima would be postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="BellatorCancels">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/bellator-cancels-may-three-shows-coronavirus-concerns|title=Bellator postpones next three shows due to coronavirus concerns|publisher=MMA Junkie|website=mmajunkie.com|date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> Mousasi's bout against Lima was rescheduled to take place at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 250|Bellator 250]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/gegard-mousasi-vs-douglas-lima-vacant-middleweight-title-bellator-250/amp|title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Douglas Lima middleweight title bout rebooked for Bellator 250|work=MMAJunkie.com|date=September 11, 2020|author=MMA Junkie Stuff|access-date=September 11, 2020|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316154647/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/gegard-mousasi-vs-douglas-lima-vacant-middleweight-title-bellator-250/amp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mousasi won the fight via unanimous decision and claimed the title for a second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/29/bellator-250-results-mousasi-vs-lima/|title=Bellator 250 Results: Gegard Mousasi Reclaims Middleweight Title|work=Cagesidepress.com|date=October 29, 2020|author= Jay Anderson|access-date=October 29, 2020}}</ref>


Mousasi made the first title defense of his second reign against [[John Salter]] on August 13, 2021 at [[Bellator 264]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-25|title=Gegard Mousasi to defend title vs. John Salter at Bellator 264 in Connecticut|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/06/bellator-264-gegard-mousasi-title-defense-booked-john-salter|access-date=2021-06-25|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the bout via TKO in round three.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-08-13|title=Bellator 264 Results: Gegard Mousasi Finishes John Salter, Austin Vanderford Up Next|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/13/bellator-264-results-mousasi-vs-salter/|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Mousasi made the first title defense of his second reign against [[John Salter]] on August 13, 2021 at [[Bellator 264]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-25|title=Gegard Mousasi to defend title vs. John Salter at Bellator 264 in Connecticut|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/06/bellator-264-gegard-mousasi-title-defense-booked-john-salter|access-date=2021-06-25|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the bout via TKO in round three.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-08-13|title=Bellator 264 Results: Gegard Mousasi Finishes John Salter, Austin Vanderford Up Next|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/13/bellator-264-results-mousasi-vs-salter/|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
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Mousasi attempted his third middleweight title defence against [[Johnny Eblen]] at [[Bellator 282]] on June 24, 2022 <ref name="Mousasi vs. Eblen">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2022-03-29 |title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Johnny Eblen set for Bellator 282 main event on June 24 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/29/23001768/gegard-mousasi-vs-johnny-eblen-set-for-bellator-282-main-event-on-june-24 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> He lost the bout via 50-45 unanimous decision on all judges' scorecards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-06-24 |title=Bellator 282: Johnny Eblen Captures Middleweight Title with Career-Best Performance Against Gegard Mousasi |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/06/24/bellator-282-gegard-mousasi-vs-johnny-eblen/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
Mousasi attempted his third middleweight title defence against [[Johnny Eblen]] at [[Bellator 282]] on June 24, 2022 <ref name="Mousasi vs. Eblen">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2022-03-29 |title=Gegard Mousasi vs. Johnny Eblen set for Bellator 282 main event on June 24 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/29/23001768/gegard-mousasi-vs-johnny-eblen-set-for-bellator-282-main-event-on-june-24 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> He lost the bout via 50-45 unanimous decision on all judges' scorecards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-06-24 |title=Bellator 282: Johnny Eblen Captures Middleweight Title with Career-Best Performance Against Gegard Mousasi |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/06/24/bellator-282-gegard-mousasi-vs-johnny-eblen/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

Mousasi faced [[Fabian Edwards]] on May 12, 2023, at [[Bellator 296]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/64186658|title=Bellator Paris: Fabian Edwards to fight Gegard Mousasi in May middleweight title eliminator|website=BBC Sport|access-date=2023-01-12}}</ref> He lost the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Edwards beats Mousasi to set up Bellator title shot |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/65578527 |access-date=2023-05-13}}</ref>

====Departure====
On November 20, 2023, Bellator MMA was purchased by the [[Professional Fighters League]] (PFL), and Mousasi's contract was assumed by PFL management.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |date=2023-11-20 |title=PFL officially announces Bellator acquisition, plans revealed for future |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/pfl-bellator-acquistion-ufc-sale-promotions-merger-future-plans |access-date=2024-05-23 |publisher=MMA Junkie}}</ref> Approximately six months after the purchase, Mousasi expressed displeasure with PFL management, citing a lack of fights being offered and PFL's unwillingness to pay Mousasi the money guaranteed in his Bellator contract as the reasons for his frustration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/22/24162663/gegard-mousasi-threatens-legal-action-pfl-ive-fought-in-a-lot-of-organizations-this-is-the-worst-one|title=Gegard Mousasi threatens legal action against PFL: 'I've fought in a lot of organizations, this is the worst one'|author=Jed Meshaw|work=MMAFighting.com|date=2024-05-22|access-date=2024-05-23}}</ref> On May 23, 2024, Mousasi was released from his PFL/Bellator contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/23/24163534/gegard-mousasi-released-from-pfl-bellator-after-threatening-legal-action|title=Gegard Mousasi released from PFL-Bellator after threatening legal action|author=Damon Martin|work=MMAFighting.com|date=2024-05-23|access-date=2024-05-23}}</ref>

===== Lawsuits against Bellator and PFL =====
On October 18, 2024, Mousasi filed a lawsuit against his former promoters, Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), along with several key individuals from these organizations, alleges a variety of claims, including breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, and a significant antitrust allegation of "monopsonization" under the Sherman Act. He claims that he was misclassified as an independent contractor, which forms part of the basis for his lawsuit. He is seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, in addition to punitive damages. The lawsuit specifically targets Bellator Sports Worldwide LLC, New Bellator LLC (a subsidiary of the PFL), as well as prominent figures in the PFL, including: PFL Founder Donn Davis, PFL CEO Peter Murray, matchmaker Mike Kogan, President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo, PFL Executive Vice President Of Business Affairs Jim Branson, and PFL VP, Business Affairs & Deputy General Counsel George Pineda<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2024-10-17 |title=Gegard Mousasi Sues Bellator, Seeking 15 Million for Breach of Contract |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/17/gegard-mousasi-sues-bellator-seeking-15-million-for-breach-of-contract/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Kickboxing==
==Kickboxing==
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It was revealed on January 31, 2011 that Mousasi was considering trying out for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the category of [[boxing]]. Mousasi would try to qualify himself through Netherlands qualifiers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/sport/news/60518/Geghard_Movsisian_launches_qualification_process_to_join_Hollands_Olympic_team |title=Geghard Movsisian launches qualification process to join Holland's Olympic team |publisher=panarmenian.net |date=2011-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202174928/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/sport/news/60518/Geghard_Movsisian_launches_qualification_process_to_join_Hollands_Olympic_team |archive-date=2 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> His management said that it would make him a better fighter. Mousasi is already known in amateur boxing, being a former Netherlands amateur boxing champion.
It was revealed on January 31, 2011 that Mousasi was considering trying out for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the category of [[boxing]]. Mousasi would try to qualify himself through Netherlands qualifiers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/sport/news/60518/Geghard_Movsisian_launches_qualification_process_to_join_Hollands_Olympic_team |title=Geghard Movsisian launches qualification process to join Holland's Olympic team |publisher=panarmenian.net |date=2011-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202174928/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/sport/news/60518/Geghard_Movsisian_launches_qualification_process_to_join_Hollands_Olympic_team |archive-date=2 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> His management said that it would make him a better fighter. Mousasi is already known in amateur boxing, being a former Netherlands amateur boxing champion.


Following an injury and the signing of a new contract with Strikeforce, he gave up interest in competing in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28681/strikeforces-mousasi-on-mend-following-acl-surgery-ufc-champ-jones-on-radar.mma|title=Strikeforce's Mousasi on mend following ACL surgery, UFC champ Jones on radar|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-05-14}}</ref>
Following an injury and the signing of a new contract with Strikeforce, he gave up interest in competing in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28681/strikeforces-mousasi-on-mend-following-acl-surgery-ufc-champ-jones-on-radar.mma|title=Strikeforce's Mousasi on mend following ACL surgery, UFC champ Jones on radar|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-05-14|access-date=2012-05-20|archive-date=2012-07-10|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710082341/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28681/strikeforces-mousasi-on-mend-following-acl-surgery-ufc-champ-jones-on-radar.mma|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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**2008 Biggest Breakthrough Bazzie Award
**2008 Biggest Breakthrough Bazzie Award
*'''[[World MMA Awards]]'''
*'''[[World MMA Awards]]'''
**2009 European Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/31/2312847/2009-world-mma-awards-results-featuring-a-drunken-diego-sanchez-video|title=2009 World MMA Awards Results - Featuring A Drunken Diego Sanchez Video|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=December 31, 2009|work=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>
**2009 European Fighter of the Year
*'''MMADNA.nl'''
*'''MMADNA.nl'''
**2016 Dutch Fighter of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/mma-dna-ufc-awards-2016-de-uitslagen/|title=MMA DNA UFC Awards 2016 : De Uitslagen!!!|last=DNA|first=MMA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-28}}</ref>
**2016 Dutch Fighter of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/mma-dna-ufc-awards-2016-de-uitslagen/|title=MMA DNA UFC Awards 2016 : De Uitslagen!!!|last=DNA|first=MMA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-28}}</ref>
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|sub-losses=3
|sub-losses=3
|dec-wins=9
|dec-wins=9
|dec-losses=4
|dec-losses=5
|dq-wins=
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
|dq-losses=
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}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|49–9–2
|[[Fabian Edwards]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator 296]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2023|May|12}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[Paris]], France
|{{small|[[Bellator Middleweight Champion|Bellator Middleweight]] title eliminator.}}
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
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|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator 282]]
|[[Bellator 282]]
|{{dts|2022|June|24}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2022|June|24}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|TKO (punches)
|TKO (punches)
|[[Bellator 275]]
|[[Bellator 275]]
|{{dts|2022|February|25}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2022|February|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:25
|align=center|1:25
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|TKO (punches)
|TKO (punches)
|[[Bellator 264]]
|[[Bellator 264]]
|{{dts|2021|August|13}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2021|August|13}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|2:07
|align=center|2:07
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|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 250|Bellator 250]]
|[[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 250|Bellator 250]]
|{{dts|2020|October|29}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2020|October|29}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|Decision (split)
|Decision (split)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 228|Bellator 228]]
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 228|Bellator 228]]
|{{dts|2019|September|28}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2019|September|28}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|Decision (majority)
|Decision (majority)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 223|Bellator 223]]
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 223|Bellator 223]]
|{{dts|2019|June|22}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2019|June|22}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|{{nowrap|45–6–2}}
|align=center|45–6–2
|[[Rory MacDonald (fighter)|Rory MacDonald]]
|[[Rory MacDonald (fighter)|Rory MacDonald]]
|TKO (elbows and punches)
|TKO (elbows and punches)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 206|Bellator 206]]
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 206|Bellator 206]]
|{{dts|2018|September|29}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|September|29}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2
|align=center|3:23
|align=center|3:23
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|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|44–6–2
|align=center|{{nowrap|44–6–2}}
|[[Rafael Carvalho]]
|[[Rafael Carvalho]]
|TKO (punches)
|TKO (punches)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 200|Bellator 200]]
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 200|Bellator 200]]
|{{dts|2018|May|25}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|May|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:35
|align=center|3:35
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|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[2017 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 185|Bellator 185]]
|[[2017 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 185|Bellator 185]]
|{{dts|2017|October|20}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|October|20}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|TKO (knees)
|TKO (knees)
|[[UFC 210]]
|[[UFC 210]]
|{{dts|2017|April|8}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|April|8}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2
|align=center|3:13
|align=center|3:13
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|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|41–6–2
| align=center| 41–6–2
|[[Uriah Hall]]
| [[Uriah Hall]]
|TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2]]
| [[UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2]]
|{{dts|2016|November|19}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|November|19}}
|align=center|1
| align=center| 1
|align=center|4:37
| align=center| 4:37
|[[Belfast]], Northern Ireland
| [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|40–6–2
| align=center| 40–6–2
|[[Vitor Belfort]]
| [[Vitor Belfort]]
|TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
|[[UFC 204]]
| [[UFC 204]]
|{{dts|2016|October|8}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|October|8}}
|align=center|2
| align=center| 2
|align=center|2:43
| align=center| 2:43
|[[Manchester]], England
| [[Manchester]], England
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|39–6–2
| align=center| 39–6–2
|[[Thiago Santos (fighter)|Thiago Santos]]
| [[Thiago Santos]]
|KO (punches)
| KO (punches)
|[[UFC 200]]
| [[UFC 200]]
|{{dts|2016|July|9}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|July|9}}
|align=center|1
| align=center| 1
|align=center|4:32
| align=center| 4:32
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}
| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|38–6–2
| align=center| 38–6–2
|[[Thales Leites]]
| [[Thales Leites]]
|Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping]]
| [[UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping]]
|{{dts|2016|February|27}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|February|27}}
|align=center|3
| align=center| 3
|align=center|5:00
| align=center| 5:00
|[[London]], England
| [[London]], England
|
|
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|37–6–2
| align=center| 37–6–2
|[[Uriah Hall]]
| [[Uriah Hall]]
|TKO (flying knee and punches)
| TKO (flying knee and punches)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson]]
| [[UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson]]
|{{dts|2015|September|27}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2015|September|27}}
|align=center|2
| align=center| 2
|align=center|0:25
| align=center| 0:25
|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|
|-
|-
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|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber]]
|{{dts|2015|May|16}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|May|16}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|TKO (punches)
|TKO (punches)
|[[UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson]]
|[[UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson]]
|{{dts|2015|January|24}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|January|24}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:10
|align=center|1:10
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|Submission (guillotine choke)
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi]]
|{{dts|2014|September|5}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|September|5}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:30
|align=center|4:30
Line 449: Line 468:
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi]]
|{{dts|2014|May|31}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|May|31}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:57
|align=center|3:57
Line 460: Line 479:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi]]
|{{dts|2014|February|15}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|February|15}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi]]
|[[UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi]]
|{{dts|2013|April|6}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2013|April|6}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
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| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]]
| [[Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine]]
| {{dts|2013|January|12}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|January|12}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:09
| align=center| 4:09
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| Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal]]
| [[Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal]]
| {{dts|2011|December|17}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2011|December|17}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| [[Dream: Japan GP Final]]
| [[Dream: Japan GP Final]]
| {{dts|2011|July|16}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2011|July|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:29
| align=center| 3:29
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| Draw (majority)
| Draw (majority)
| [[Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley]]
| [[Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley]]
| {{dts|2011|April|9}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2011|April|9}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[Dream 16]]
| [[Dream 16]]
| {{dts|2010|September|25}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|September|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:10
| align=center| 6:10
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| Submission (guillotine choke)
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[Dream 15]]
| [[Dream 15]]
| {{dts|2010|July|10}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|July|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:31
| align=center| 0:31
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| Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Strikeforce: Nashville]]
| [[Strikeforce: Nashville]]
| {{dts|2010|April|17}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|April|17}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| [[Dynamite!! 2009]]
| [[Dynamite!! 2009]]
| {{dts|2009|December|31}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|December|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:34
| align=center| 1:34
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| [[Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers]]
| [[Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers]]
| {{dts|2009|November|7}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|November|7}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:43
| align=center| 3:43
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| KO (punches)
| KO (punches)
| [[Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg]]
| [[Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg]]
| {{dts|2009|August|15}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|August|15}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:00
| align=center| 1:00
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| Submission (straight armbar)
| Submission (straight armbar)
| [[Dream 9]]
| [[Dream 9]]
| {{dts|2009|May|26}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|May|26}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:19
| align=center| 1:19
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| KO (upkick)
| KO (upkick)
|rowspan=2|[[Dream 6|Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round]]
|rowspan=2|[[Dream 6|Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round]]
|rowspan=2|{{dts|2008|September|23}}
|rowspan=2|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|September|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:15
| align=center| 2:15
|rowspan=2|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|rowspan=2|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Final. Won inaugural [[List of Dream champions#Middleweight Championship|DREAM Middleweight Championship]].}}
| {{small|DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Final. Won the inaugural [[List of Dream champions#Middleweight Championship|DREAM Middleweight Championship]].}}
|-
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
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| Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Dream 4|Dream 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round]]
| [[Dream 4|Dream 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round]]
| {{dts|2008|June|15}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|June|15}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| Submission (triangle choke)
| Submission (triangle choke)
| [[Dream 2|Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round]]
| [[Dream 2|Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round]]
| {{dts|2008|April|29}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|April|29}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:10
| align=center| 3:10
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| [[2008 in M-1 Global#M-1: Slamm|M-1: Slamm]]
| [[2008 in M-1 Global#M-1: Slamm|M-1: Slamm]]
| {{dts|2008|March|2}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|March|2}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:44
| align=center| 2:44
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| Hardcore Championship Fighting: Destiny
| Hardcore Championship Fighting: Destiny
| {{dts|2008|February|1}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|February|1}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:42
| align=center| 3:42
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| Hardcore Championship Fighting: Title Wave
| Hardcore Championship Fighting: Title Wave
| {{dts|2007|October|19}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|October|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:46
| align=center| 4:46
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| Bodog FIGHT
| Bodog FIGHT
| {{dts|2007|August|25}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|August|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:56
| align=center| 4:56
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| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2007 in M-1 Global#M-1 MFC: Battle on the Neva|M-1 MFC: Battle on the Neva]]
| [[2007 in M-1 Global#M-1 MFC: Battle on the Neva|M-1 MFC: Battle on the Neva]]
| {{dts|2007|July|21}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|July|21}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| TKO (submission to punches)
| TKO (submission to punches)
| [[2006 in Cage Warriors#CWFC: Enter The Rough House|CWFC: Enter The Rough House]]
| [[2006 in Cage Warriors#CWFC: Enter The Rough House|CWFC: Enter The Rough House]]
| {{dts|2006|December|9}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|December|9}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:20
| align=center| 2:20
| [[Nottingham]], England
| [[Nottingham]], England
| {{small|Won the Cage Warriors Middleweight Championship.}}
| {{small|Won the vacant [[Cage Warriors#Cage Warriors Middleweight Championship|Cage Warriors Middleweight Championship]].}}
|-
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
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| Decision (unanimous)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Pride Bushido 13|Pride - Bushido 13]]
| [[Pride Bushido 13|Pride - Bushido 13]]
| {{dts|2006|November|5}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|November|5}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| Submission (armbar)
| Submission (armbar)
| [[Pride Bushido 12|Pride - Bushido 12]]
| [[Pride Bushido 12|Pride - Bushido 12]]
| {{dts|2006|August|26}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|August|26}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:24
| align=center| 4:24
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| TKO (broken eye socket)
| TKO (broken eye socket)
| [[Pride Bushido Survival 2006|Pride - Bushido 11]]
| [[Pride Bushido Survival 2006|Pride - Bushido 11]]
| {{dts|2006|June|4}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|June|4}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:34
| align=center| 5:34
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| TKO (corner stoppage)
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| [[2006 in Deep#Deep: 24 Impact|Deep: 24 Impact]]
| [[2006 in Deep#Deep: 24 Impact|Deep: 24 Impact]]
| {{dts|2006|April|11}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|April|11}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:29
| align=center| 1:29
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| Future Battle
| Future Battle
| {{dts|2006|March|5}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|March|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:35
| align=center| 0:35
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| 2H2H: Mixed Fight
| 2H2H: Mixed Fight
| {{dts|2005|December|17}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|December|17}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:40
| align=center| 0:40
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| KO (knee)
| KO (knee)
| [[2005 in Deep#Deep: 22 Impact|Deep: 22 Impact]]
| [[2005 in Deep#Deep: 22 Impact|Deep: 22 Impact]]
| {{dts|2005|December|2}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|December|2}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:10
| align=center| 0:10
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| Europe: Rotterdam Rumble
| Europe: Rotterdam Rumble
| {{dts|2005|October|9}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|October|9}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:39
| align=center| 3:39
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| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Jaap Edenhal: Holland vs. Russia
| Jaap Edenhal: Holland vs. Russia
| {{dts|2005|April|24}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|April|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:39
| align=center| 4:39
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| Submission (armbar)
| Submission (armbar)
| [[2005 in Fighting Network Rings#Rings: Bushido Ireland|Rings: Bushido Ireland]]
| [[2005 in Fighting Network Rings#Rings: Bushido Ireland|Rings: Bushido Ireland]]
| {{dts|2005|March|12}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|March|12}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:02
| align=center| 1:02
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| Submission (armbar)
| Submission (armbar)
| Fight Festival 13
| Fight Festival 13
| {{dts|2005|February|28}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|February|28}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:49
| align=center| 1:49
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| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[2005 in M-1 Global#M-1 MFC: International Fight Night|M-1 MFC: International Fight Night]]
| [[2005 in M-1 Global#M-1 MFC: International Fight Night|M-1 MFC: International Fight Night]]
| {{dts|2005|February|5}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|February|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:16
| align=center| 2:16
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| International Mix-Fight Association: Mix Fight
| International Mix-Fight Association: Mix Fight
| {{dts|2004|December|19}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|December|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:18
| align=center| 3:18
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| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Fight Festival 11
| Fight Festival 11
| {{dts|2004|September|11}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|September|11}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:17
| align=center| 2:17
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| Draw
| Draw
| Fight Gala
| Fight Gala
| {{dts|2003|November|15}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2003|November|15}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| align=center| 5:00
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| International Mix-Fight Association: Mixfight
| International Mix-Fight Association: Mixfight
| {{dts|2003|October|12}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2003|October|12}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:05
| align=center| 1:05
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| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
| 2H2H: 1st Open Team
| 2H2H: 1st Open Team
| {{dts|2003|April|27}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2003|April|27}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:40
| align=center| 3:40
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of current Bellator fighters]]
* [[List of current mixed martial arts champions]]
* [[List of current mixed martial arts champions]]
* [[List of Strikeforce alumni]]
* [[List of Strikeforce alumni]]
Line 956: Line 974:
{{end}}
{{end}}


{{Bellator Championships}}
{{Bellator Middleweight Championship}}
{{Bellator Middleweight Championship}}
{{Dream Championships}}
{{Dream Championships}}
{{Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{List of Iranian refugee and immigrant athletes}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Iranian people of Armenian descent]]
[[Category:Iranian people of Armenian descent]]
[[Category:Iranian emigrants to the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Iranian emigrants to the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Tehran]]
[[Category:Martial artists from Tehran]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Leiden]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Leiden]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]
[[Category:People with cavernous hemangioma]]
[[Category:Iranian refugees]]
[[Category:21st-century Iranian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 09:50, 10 November 2024

Gegard Mousasi
Gegard Mousasi in 2009, at the weigh-in before the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event.
Born (1985-08-01) August 1, 1985 (age 39)
Tehran, Iran
Other namesThe Dreamcatcher
NationalityDutch
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight/Openweight (2009)
Light Heavyweight (2009–2013)
Middleweight (2003–2008, 2014–present)
Reach76 in (193 cm)[1]
StyleKickboxing
Fighting out ofLeiden, Netherlands
TeamSportschool Jurojin
Red Devil International[2]
Kops Gym[3]
Teacher(s)Chris Dolman
Joop Kruis
TrainerBert Kops Jr.
RankBlack belt in Judo[4]
Years active2003–present
Kickboxing record
Total8
Wins8
By knockout3
Mixed martial arts record
Total60
Wins49
By knockout28
By submission12
By decision9
Losses9
By knockout1
By submission3
By decision5
Draws2
Amateur boxing record
Total13
Wins12
By knockout9
Losses1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Gegard Mousasi (born 1 August 1985) is a Dutch mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. Mousasi most recently competed in Bellator MMA, where he is the former two-time Bellator Middleweight Champion.[5] He is also the former DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion, former DREAM Middleweight Champion, former Cage Warriors World Middleweight Champion, and the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, thus making Mousasi an overall six-time MMA world champion. At the moment of his departure from the UFC in July 2017, he was #4 in the official UFC middleweight rankings,[5] and he is currently ranked the #12 middleweight MMA fighter in the world by Fight Matrix.[6]

Background

Mousasi was born in Tehran, Iran to ethnic-Armenian parents during the Iran–Iraq War.[7] His family name was changed in Iran long before his birth from Mofsesian to Mousasi.[8] After spending a year in refugee camps, at the age of four,[9][10] Mousasi and his family relocated to Leiden, Netherlands where he finished grade school before developing an interest in martial arts.[11] Mousasi began training in judo[12] at the age of eight[7] and later boxing at age 15; a year later he became the amateur boxing champion of the Netherlands with a 12–1 record, earning nine knockouts. Mousasi then transitioned into kickboxing and then eventually to mixed martial arts.[11]

Mixed martial arts career

Pride FC Welterweight Grand Prix

In 2006 Mousasi signed with Pride FC to take part in Pride's Welterweight Grand Prix. In the opening round Mousasi faced Makoto Takimoto, at Pride Bushido 11, beating the Japanese fighter by TKO as the result of a broken eye socket in the first round. In the quarterfinals Mousasi went on to face Akihiro Gono, but was submitted in the second round by an armbar. After losing to Gono, Mousasi fought Héctor Lombard in the Grand Prix Alternate bout and took a unanimous decision victory over the Cuban-born fighter.[13]

Dream Middleweight Grand Prix

In the first round of the Dream's 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix at Dream 2, Gegard defeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Denis Kang by triangle choke. Kang had defeated Gono in the semifinals of the Pride Welterweight Grand Prix. In the second round of the tournament, at Dream 4, Mousasi won a decision victory over Yoon Dong-sik and advanced to the final round, which took place at Dream 6.[14] There he fought and submitted K-1 veteran Melvin Manhoef in the semifinals before meeting up with submission specialist Ronaldo Souza in the final. Mousasi defeated Souza by an upkick after being taken down by the Brazilian, thus becoming the first Dream Middleweight Champion and 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix tournament winner. Souza went on to win the Dream Middleweight Championship and later the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.[15]

ADCC Championships

On November 21, 2008, ADCC Europe president Marko Leistén confirmed the signing of Mousasi as one of ADCC's 2009 competitors.[16] It was rumored he would fight in the -88 kg category. For unknown reasons, Mousasi never participated in the ADCC 2009 Championships.

M-1 Global

Gegard Mousasi next made an appearance at M-1 Global's Breakthrough event at August 28, 2009, where he sparred with former Pride Heavyweight and current WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko, a friend and teammate, in an exhibition match. The two friends fought a competitive and friendly spirited exhibition with several Judo throws from both Emelianenko and Mousasi. Mousasi was defeated with a straight armbar.[17]

In February 2010, Mousasi left M-1 Global Management. Mousasi was quoted as saying "After careful consideration, I have decided that it is in my best interest to part ways with M-1 Global," Mousasi wrote in the e-mail. "During the time I spent under their wing, M-1 Global, as a promoter and management company, allowed me to achieve many great things. I appreciate all they have done for me. My management is being taken care of by someone close to me."[18]

Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix

In interviews from early 2009, Mousasi stated the weight he put on after winning Dream's middleweight tournament was too much for him to cut back down to middleweight and that his next fights would be at light heavyweight and eventually heavyweight instead.[19][20]

Then he signed for a place at Dream's openweight Grand Prix, the Super Hulk Grand Prix, being scheduled to face Mark Hunt in the opening round. Mousasi submitted Hunt in the first round of the Super Hulk Grand Prix at Dream 9.[21] Mousasi was then expected to face Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at Dream 11, but he had to step down due to injury.[22]

Affliction

Mousasi was set to fight Renato Sobral at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, 2009, but the event was canceled after losing its main event 10 days prior to the event.[23] It was originally planned for him to face Vitor Belfort at that event, but there was a disagreement between both fighters over which weight class the fight would be fought at.[24]

Strikeforce and Dream

On Monday July 27, 2009 it was announced that the cancelled bout between Sobral and Mousasi would take place on the August 15 Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg card and the fight became a contest for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.[25] Mousasi defeated Sobral via KO in the first minute of the first round to become the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion.[26]

Mousasi would go on to win his second Strikeforce bout by TKO (punches), three minutes and forty-three seconds into the 2nd round against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, who Mousasi was previously supposed to fight at Dream 11, on November 7, 2009 at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers.[27] Mousasi was originally slated to defend his Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship, but eventually competed in a non-title bout.[28]

Mousasi quickly defeated journeyman Gary Goodridge under MMA rules at Dynamite!! 2009.[29]

On April 17, 2010, Mousasi lost the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship belt in his first defense to Muhammed Lawal by way of unanimous decision. Lawal landed 11 of 14 takedowns,[30] however Mousasi had outlanded Lawal in Total Punches 171 to 125. Mousasi was also given a point deduction following an illegal up-kick.[31] Lawal would later test positive for anabolic steroids following a fight with Lorenz Larkin.[32]

Dream Light Heavyweight Grand Prix

The 1st round took place at Dream 15, where Mousasi faced Jake O'Brien,[33] who came in overweight to their bout. Dream officials made it a catchweight fight, but allowed the fight to be part of the tournament.[34] Mousasi won the fight early in the first round by submission via standing guillotine choke.[35] In the final, Mousasi faced Tatsuya Mizuno. Mousasi dominated the whole fight and finished the Japanese fighter in the first round via rear-naked choke.[36]

Last of Strikeforce

Mousasi was expected to face Mike Kyle on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce 33. However, Kyle was forced off the card with an injury and was replaced by Keith Jardine.[37] The fight resulted in a majority draw due to an illegal upkick in the first round which resulted in a point deduction for Mousasi. Otherwise the bout would've been a unanimous decision victory for Mousasi. According to Fightmetric statistics, Mousasi outstruck Jardine 146 to 21. After the fight in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting.com, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated “I’ve got a lot of respect for Keith Jardine, but I think Gegard won the fight.”[38] In the same interview, Coker also stated that a rematch between Mousasi and Jardine was definitely a possibility for the future. MMA Fighting.com named this fight their Runner-Up for "Robbery of the Half-Year."[39]

Mousasi returned to Strikeforce to face Ovince Saint Preux on December 17, 2011 at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal.[40] He won the fight via unanimous decision, showing improved takedown defense and wrestling.[41]

Mousasi was expected to face Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey, but Kyle once again withdrew due to injury.[42]

Mousasi was later recovering from knee surgery following a torn ACL and was expected to fully recover by November, 2012.[43] He also signed a new contract for six more fights with the organization, making a total of seven. However, with Strikeforce having shut down,[44] this contract was likely now null and void.

Mousasi faced Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine on January 12, 2013.[45] After avoiding most of Kyle's strikes in the early going, Mousasi took the fight to the ground and went on to finish the fight via rear-naked choke submission late in the first round. This was the fourth time a fight between Mousasi and Kyle was scheduled and the first time it wasn't canceled.[46]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On January 15, 2013, the UFC announced[47] Mousasi would be joining 19 other Strikeforce fighters in a move to the UFC after his win over Mike Kyle at the promotion's last event, Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.

Mousasi was expected to make his promotional debut against Alexander Gustafsson on April 6, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 9.[48] However, on March 30, Gustafsson suffered a cut in training and, on April 2, was deemed unclear to participate by the Swedish MMA Federation.[49] Gustafsson was replaced by Ilir Latifi, a UFC newcomer and training partner of Gustafsson.[50] Mousasi won by unanimous decision, avoiding his opponent's takedown attempts and dominating the fight on the feet. He fought with an injured knee and underwent surgery after the fight. UFC President Dana White praised Mousasi for going through with the fight injured and in his opponents home, as well as accepting a late change of opponents.[51]

Drop to middleweight

For his second fight with the promotion, Mousasi moved down to middleweight to face former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida on February 15, 2014 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 36.[52] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Despite the loss, the bout won Mousasi his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[53]

Mousasi faced Mark Muñoz on May 31, 2014 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 41.[54] He won the fight via submission in the first round and became the first fighter to submit Muñoz. The win also earned Mousasi his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[55]

Mousasi was expected to rematch Ronaldo Souza on August 2, 2014 at UFC 176.[56] However, after UFC 176, was cancelled, Mousasi/Souza was rescheduled and took place on September 5, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 50.[57] Souza defeated Mousasi via submission in the third round.[58]

Mousasi faced Dan Henderson on January 24, 2015 in the co-main event at UFC on Fox 14.[59] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. The win also earned Mousasi his second Performance of the Night bonus award.[60]

Mousasi faced Costas Philippou on May 16, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 66.[61] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Mousasi was expected to face Roan Carneiro on September 27, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 75.[62] However, Carneiro pulled out due to injury and was subsequently replaced by Uriah Hall.[63] After dominating the opening round, Mousasi was finished early in the second after absorbing a jumping spinning back kick, flying knee and follow-up punches.[64]

Mousasi was briefly linked to a fight with Michael Bisping on February 27, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 84.[65] However, on December 24, 2015, Bisping was pulled from the bout in favor of a matchup with Anderson Silva at the same event.[66] Mousasi instead faced Thales Leites.[67] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[68]

Mousasi was expected to face Derek Brunson on July 9, 2016 at UFC 200. It was later revealed that Brunson was forced to pull out of the fight, and that Thiago Santos would replace him to fight Mousasi.[69] He won the fight via TKO in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[70][71]

A long-discussed fight with former light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort took place on October 8, 2016 at UFC 204.[72] Mousasi won the fight via TKO in the second round.[73]

Mousasi next faced Uriah Hall in a rematch on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 99.[74] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[75]

Mousasi faced Chris Weidman at UFC 210 on April 8, 2017.[76] In the second round, Mousasi hit Weidman with two knees to the head, the latter of which had referee Dan Miragliotta interrupt the fight because he mistakenly thought it was illegal. However, upon consultation with another referee "Big" John McCarthy, both knees appeared to be legal under the new unified rules introduced since 2017. Ultimately, the bout was ended and deemed a TKO win for Mousasi.[77] Mousasi accused Weidman of trying to win the fight by disqualification.[78] Weidman admitted he was expecting to win the fight by disqualification. He was only willing to continue when told the knee was legal after almost two minutes of the allotted five to recover by Miragliotta under the assumption the knee was illegal.[79] Audio from Weidman's corner revealed Matt Serra saying Weidman told physicians he thought it was February. Being unable to tell medical staff the correct date possibly influenced their decision not to let him continue.[80] The NYSAC released a statement that instant replay had been used legally to determine if the knee was legal, disproving the claim of UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner who had told Joe Rogan otherwise on the live pay-per-view.[81]

Bellator MMA

On 10 July 2017, Mousasi announced that he had signed with Bellator MMA for a six-fights deal and should compete for the middleweight title later in 2017. He also announced that his goal would be also to obtain the light heavyweight belt as well, after becoming the Bellator middleweight champion first.[5]

During the Bellator 181 main card, it was announced by the promotion that Mousasi would make his debut against Alexander Shlemenko at Bellator 185 on 20 October 2017.[82] In the opening minute a punch from Shlemenko broke Mousasi's right orbital, causing Mousasi to fight with one eye for almost the entire bout.[83] The rest of the first round mainly consisted of Mousasi scoring multiple takedowns, landing many strikes, and attempting several neck cranks and rear naked chokes. A doctor inspected Mousasi's eye before the second round and deemed him fit to continue. In the second round, both fighters landed strikes in short exchanges for the first three minutes until Mousasi landed two takedowns and spent most of the last two minutes making submission attempts and landing strikes, which caused Shlemenko's face to bleed. When the round ended, Mousasi was still in a back mount dominant position over Shlemenko. In the third and final round, Schlemenko landed the better of strikes standing up and Mousasi's only takedown attempt was unsuccessful. Mousasi won the fight via unanimous decision.[84] Seven out of eleven MMA media outlets scored the fight as a decision win for Shlemenko.[85]

Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion

Mousasi faced Rafael Carvalho on 25 May 2018 at Bellator 200 in London, England for the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.[86] After scoring a takedown early, Mousasi used ground and pound to win the fight via TKO in the first round.[87] Mousasi became the first fighter to win a world title in both Strikeforce and Bellator MMA.[88]

Mousasi made his first title defense against current Bellator Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald on 29 September 2018 at Bellator 206.[89] Mousasi stuffed MacDonald's takedown attempt and delivered ground and pound, eventually winning the fight via technical knockout in round two.[90]

Mousasi was expected to make his second title defense against Rafael Lovato Jr. in the co-headliner of Bellator 214 on 26 January 2019.[91] However, on 20 December 2018, it was reported that Mousasi pulled from the fight, citing a back injury.[92] The fight eventually took place at Bellator 223 on 22 June 2019.[93] Mousasi lost the bout and his title by majority decision.[94]

After losing the title, Mousasi rematched prior UFC opponent Lyoto Machida at Bellator 228 on 28 September 2019.[95] He was victorious by way of split decision.[96]

Second title reign

In February 2020, it was announced that Rafael Lovato Jr. was forced to relinquish the Bellator Middleweight World Championship due to a cerebral cavernoma. Bellator then announced that Mousasi would face current Bellator Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima for the vacant Bellator Middleweight World Championship at Bellator 242 on 9 May 2020.[97] At the time, Mousasi also signed a new, eight-fight contract with Bellator.[98] However, it was announced that Bellator 242 and Mousasi's fight against Lima would be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[99] Mousasi's bout against Lima was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 250.[100] Mousasi won the fight via unanimous decision and claimed the title for a second time.[101]

Mousasi made the first title defense of his second reign against John Salter on August 13, 2021 at Bellator 264.[102] He won the bout via TKO in round three.[103]

Mousasi made his second middleweight title defence against Austin Vanderford at Bellator 275 on February 25, 2022 at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.[104] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.[105]

Mousasi attempted his third middleweight title defence against Johnny Eblen at Bellator 282 on June 24, 2022 [106] He lost the bout via 50-45 unanimous decision on all judges' scorecards.[107]

Mousasi faced Fabian Edwards on May 12, 2023, at Bellator 296.[108] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[109]

Departure

On November 20, 2023, Bellator MMA was purchased by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and Mousasi's contract was assumed by PFL management.[110] Approximately six months after the purchase, Mousasi expressed displeasure with PFL management, citing a lack of fights being offered and PFL's unwillingness to pay Mousasi the money guaranteed in his Bellator contract as the reasons for his frustration.[111] On May 23, 2024, Mousasi was released from his PFL/Bellator contract.[112]

Lawsuits against Bellator and PFL

On October 18, 2024, Mousasi filed a lawsuit against his former promoters, Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), along with several key individuals from these organizations, alleges a variety of claims, including breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, and a significant antitrust allegation of "monopsonization" under the Sherman Act. He claims that he was misclassified as an independent contractor, which forms part of the basis for his lawsuit. He is seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, in addition to punitive damages. The lawsuit specifically targets Bellator Sports Worldwide LLC, New Bellator LLC (a subsidiary of the PFL), as well as prominent figures in the PFL, including: PFL Founder Donn Davis, PFL CEO Peter Murray, matchmaker Mike Kogan, President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo, PFL Executive Vice President Of Business Affairs Jim Branson, and PFL VP, Business Affairs & Deputy General Counsel George Pineda[113]

Kickboxing

K-1 Dynamite!! 2008

In somewhat of a surprise to the MMA world, Mousasi agreed to take on Japanese K-1 fighter Musashi in a K-1 rules fight at Dynamite!! 2008. Being an open weight fight Mousasi weighed in at 97.8 kg/216 lb, all but confirming his desire to move up in weight classes. Mousasi stated after winning the Dream Middleweight Grand Prix he would no longer fight at middleweight due to the large weight cut. Mousasi was the rank outsider to win the match against the more experienced Musashi, but came out fast and scored a first-round KO. Mousasi went undefeated in 2008, going 6–0 in MMA and 1–0 in K-1.

K-1 Dynamite!! 2010

After a lot of speculation about Mousasi's opponent for 2010 New Year's Eve, Mousasi was set to face Kyotaro, the K-1 Heavyweight Champion, in a K-1 rules bout. He brought the fight to Kyotaro and in the second round Mousasi knocked the Japanese fighter down, almost finishing him. Mousasi then won a unanimous decision victory from the judges.

2012 Summer Olympics

It was revealed on January 31, 2011 that Mousasi was considering trying out for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the category of boxing. Mousasi would try to qualify himself through Netherlands qualifiers.[114] His management said that it would make him a better fighter. Mousasi is already known in amateur boxing, being a former Netherlands amateur boxing champion.

Following an injury and the signing of a new contract with Strikeforce, he gave up interest in competing in the Olympics.[115]

Personal life

Mousasi has relatives in both Iran and Armenia. He is an Armenian Apostolic Christian.[116]

His older brother Gewik was a mixed martial artist before him, and Gegard decided to follow in his footsteps.[116] Gewik is currently a prolific MMA trainer in Holland.[117] He also currently handles the finances for Gegard's career payments.[118]

Mousasi is the godfather of Satoshi Ishii's son Mousasi Ishi, who is named after him.[119]

Mousasi's moniker, "Dream Catcher", was given by a friend which he was not fond of as he considered his style of fighting could not be named.[120]

My friend came up with it [nickname], so blame it on him. I don't like nicknames, to be honest. I have a lot of nicknames. They called me Kingo in Japan, they called me the Young Vagabond, but that sounds bad, then Soldier of Fortune, now they call me the Dream Catcher. He said that's a good name. It's original. I read on the internet that people don't like the name. I'd rather have no nickname, but with my style, you can't really put a name on it. A good nickname for me hasn't come up. I told Strikeforce that I didn't want to use a nickname, but they put it up anyway.[120]

Championships and accomplishments

Boxing

  • Nederlandse Boks Bond
    • Netherlands Amateur Boxing National Championship (2001)

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
60 matches 49 wins 9 losses
By knockout 28 1
By submission 12 3
By decision 9 5
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 49–9–2 Fabian Edwards Decision (unanimous) Bellator 296 12 May 2023 5 5:00 Paris, France Bellator Middleweight title eliminator.
Loss 49–8–2 Johnny Eblen Decision (unanimous) Bellator 282 24 June 2022 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Lost the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 49–7–2 Austin Vanderford TKO (punches) Bellator 275 25 February 2022 1 1:25 Dublin, Ireland Defended the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 48–7–2 John Salter TKO (punches) Bellator 264 13 August 2021 3 2:07 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Defended the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 47–7–2 Douglas Lima Decision (unanimous) Bellator 250 29 October 2020 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the vacant Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 46–7–2 Lyoto Machida Decision (split) Bellator 228 28 September 2019 3 5:00 Inglewood, California, United States
Loss 45–7–2 Rafael Lovato Jr. Decision (majority) Bellator 223 22 June 2019 5 5:00 London, England Lost the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 45–6–2 Rory MacDonald TKO (elbows and punches) Bellator 206 29 September 2018 2 3:23 San Jose, California, United States Defended the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 44–6–2 Rafael Carvalho TKO (punches) Bellator 200 25 May 2018 1 3:35 London, England Won the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 43–6–2 Alexander Shlemenko Decision (unanimous) Bellator 185 20 October 2017 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 42–6–2 Chris Weidman TKO (knees) UFC 210 8 April 2017 2 3:13 Buffalo, New York, United States
Win 41–6–2 Uriah Hall TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 19 November 2016 1 4:37 Belfast, Northern Ireland
Win 40–6–2 Vitor Belfort TKO (punches) UFC 204 8 October 2016 2 2:43 Manchester, England
Win 39–6–2 Thiago Santos KO (punches) UFC 200 9 July 2016 1 4:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 38–6–2 Thales Leites Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping 27 February 2016 3 5:00 London, England
Loss 37–6–2 Uriah Hall TKO (flying knee and punches) UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson 27 September 2015 2 0:25 Saitama, Japan
Win 37–5–2 Costas Philippou Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber 16 May 2015 3 5:00 Pasay, Philippines
Win 36–5–2 Dan Henderson TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson 24 January 2015 1 1:10 Stockholm, Sweden Performance of the Night.
Loss 35–5–2 Ronaldo Souza Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi 5 September 2014 3 4:30 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States
Win 35–4–2 Mark Muñoz Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi 31 May 2014 1 3:57 Berlin, Germany Performance of the Night.
Loss 34–4–2 Lyoto Machida Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi 15 February 2014 5 5:00 Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil Return to Middleweight. Fight of the Night.
Win 34–3–2 Ilir Latifi Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi 6 April 2013 3 5:00 Stockholm, Sweden
Win 33–3–2 Mike Kyle Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine 12 January 2013 1 4:09 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win 32–3–2 Ovince Saint Preux Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal 17 December 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 31–3–2 Hiroshi Izumi TKO (punches) Dream: Japan GP Final 16 July 2011 1 3:29 Tokyo, Japan Defended the DREAM Light Heavyweight Championship.
Draw 30–3–2 Keith Jardine Draw (majority) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley 9 April 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States Mousasi was deducted one point due to an illegal upkick.
Win 30–3–1 Tatsuya Mizuno Submission (rear-naked choke) Dream 16 25 September 2010 1 6:10 Nagoya, Japan DREAM 2010 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Final. Won the Dream Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 29–3–1 Jake O'Brien Submission (guillotine choke) Dream 15 10 July 2010 1 0:31 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2010 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal; O'Brien missed weight (212 lbs).
Loss 28–3–1 Muhammed Lawal Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Nashville 17 April 2010 5 5:00 Nashville, Tennessee, United States Lost the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship. Mousasi was deducted one point due to an illegal upkick.
Win 28–2–1 Gary Goodridge TKO (punches) Dynamite!! 2009 31 December 2009 1 1:34 Saitama, Japan Heavyweight bout.
Win 27–2–1 Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers 7 November 2009 2 3:43 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Win 26–2–1 Renato Sobral KO (punches) Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg 15 August 2009 1 1:00 San Jose, California, United States Won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 25–2–1 Mark Hunt Submission (straight armbar) Dream 9 26 May 2009 1 1:19 Yokohama, Japan DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Openweight bout.
Win 24–2–1 Ronaldo Souza KO (upkick) Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round 23 September 2008 1 2:15 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Final. Won the inaugural DREAM Middleweight Championship.
Win 23–2–1 Melvin Manhoef Submission (triangle choke) 1 1:28 DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 22–2–1 Yoon Dong-sik Decision (unanimous) Dream 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round 15 June 2008 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 21–2–1 Denis Kang Submission (triangle choke) Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round 29 April 2008 1 3:10 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win 20–2–1 Steve Mensing TKO (punches) M-1: Slamm 2 March 2008 1 2:44 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 19–2–1 Evangelista Santos TKO (punches) Hardcore Championship Fighting: Destiny 1 February 2008 1 3:42 Calgary, Alberta, Canada Catchweight (194 lbs) bout.
Win 18–2–1 Damir Mirenic TKO (punches) Hardcore Championship Fighting: Title Wave 19 October 2007 1 4:46 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Win 17–2–1 Kyacey Uscola TKO (punches) Bodog FIGHT 25 August 2007 1 4:56 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 16–2–1 Alexander Kokoev Submission (arm-triangle choke) M-1 MFC: Battle on the Neva 21 July 2007 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 15–2–1 Gregory Bouchelaghem TKO (submission to punches) CWFC: Enter The Rough House 9 December 2006 1 2:20 Nottingham, England Won the vacant Cage Warriors Middleweight Championship.
Win 14–2–1 Héctor Lombard Decision (unanimous) Pride - Bushido 13 5 November 2006 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Alternate bout.
Loss 13–2–1 Akihiro Gono Submission (armbar) Pride - Bushido 12 26 August 2006 2 4:24 Nagoya, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 13–1–1 Makoto Takimoto TKO (broken eye socket) Pride - Bushido 11 4 June 2006 1 5:34 Saitama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win 12–1–1 Hidetada Irie TKO (corner stoppage) Deep: 24 Impact 11 April 2006 2 1:29 Tokyo, Japan Openweight bout.[2]
Win 11–1–1 Sanjin Kadunc TKO (punches) Future Battle 5 March 2006 1 0:35 Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Win 10–1–1 Andre Fyeet TKO (punches) 2H2H: Mixed Fight 17 December 2005 1 0:40 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 9–1–1 Tsuyoshi Kurihara KO (knee) Deep: 22 Impact 2 December 2005 1 0:10 Tokyo, Japan Light Heavyweight bout.[2]
Win 8–1–1 Stefan Klever TKO (punches) Europe: Rotterdam Rumble 9 October 2005 1 3:39 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win 7–1–1 Chico Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) Jaap Edenhal: Holland vs. Russia 24 April 2005 1 4:39 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 6–1–1 John Donnelly Submission (armbar) Rings: Bushido Ireland 12 March 2005 1 1:02 Dublin, Ireland
Loss 5–1–1 Petras Markevicius Submission (armbar) Fight Festival 13 28 February 2005 2 1:49 Helsinki, Finland
Win 5–0–1 Erik Oganov Submission (rear-naked choke) M-1 MFC: International Fight Night 5 February 2005 1 2:16 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 4–0–1 Rody Trost TKO (punches) International Mix-Fight Association: Mix Fight 19 December 2004 1 3:18 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 3–0–1 Niko Puhakka Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Festival 11 11 September 2004 2 2:17 Helsinki, Finland
Draw 2–0–1 Gilson Ferreira Draw Fight Gala 15 November 2003 2 5:00 Zaandam, Netherlands
Win 2–0 Xander Nel TKO (punches) International Mix-Fight Association: Mixfight 12 October 2003 1 1:05 Badhoevedorp, Netherlands
Win 1–0 Daniel Spek TKO (punches) 2H2H: 1st Open Team 27 April 2003 1 3:40 Amsterdam, Netherlands

[128]

Kickboxing record

Gegard Mousasi kickboxing record
5 wins (3 (T)KO's)
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2010-12-31 Win Japan Kyotaro Dynamite!! 2010 Saitama, Japan Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00 5–0
K-1 rules 3 x 3.
2008-12-31 Win Japan Musashi Dynamite!! 2008 Saitama, Japan TKO (referee stoppage) 1 2:32 4–0
K-1 rules 3 x 3.
2004-10-16 Win Netherlands Enrico Grootenhuis Muay Thai & Mixfight Gala Emmen, Netherlands KO (strikes) 1 0:35 3–0
Muay Thai rules (B-class 5 x 2).
2004-01-25 Win Netherlands Arno Hilckmann Muay Thai Gala Alkmaar, Netherlands Decision (unanimous) 3 2:00 2–0
Muay Thai rules (C-class 3 x 2).
2003-06-14 Win Netherlands Surinder Baghola Muay Thai Warrior Rhoon, Netherlands TKO (strikes) 1 1:04 1–0
Muay Thai rules (C-class 3 x 2).
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

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New championship 1st Dream Middleweight Champion
September 23, 2008 – May 26, 2009
Vacant
Mousasi move to light heavyweight
New championship 1st Dream Light Heavyweight Champion
September 25, 2010 – Present
Incumbent
Preceded by 3rd Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion
August 15, 2009 – April 17, 2010
Succeeded by
Preceded by 5th Bellator Middleweight Champion
May 25, 2018 – June 22, 2019
Succeeded by
Preceded by 7th Bellator Middleweight Champion
October 29, 2020 – Present
Incumbent