Quick Rise: Gegard Mousasi eyes title shot with win over Alexander Gustafsson
News came Saturday that former Strikeforce champion Gegard Mousasi would face top Light Heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson at the second UFC Sweden. Today, Mousasi has come with his precise intentions concerning the bout. Speaking to MMA Weekly, Mousasi makes no bones about getting into the thick of the UFC title hunt with this blockbuster bout:
“I wanted to face a top opponent. He’s the No. 1 contender so fighting him would get me in line for a title shot. That’s the guy I want to fight.”
“Gustafsson, he’s on a six fight winning streak, it’s hard to deny him a title shot. It’s definitely for number one contender’s spot, that’s the way I feel.”
Whether the fight is truly for a number one contender’s spot remains to be discussed, but there’s no doubt the winner will find themselves knocking on that door. Mousasi knows how impressive Gustafsson’s record has been as of late, and wants the win to start his return to glory.
Mousasi was regarded as one of, if not the, best prospects a few years ago when he held the Strikeforce 205 lb. belt. A loss to King Mo and some subsequent injuries led to a derailing of his hype train, and we haven’t seemed to hear much from him recently. However, that is about to change as Mousasi seeks a return to the top:
“I’m concentrating 100-percent and from that hopefully I will have that belt around my waist. That’s a big motivation, it’s within reach and it’s a possibility. That’s already giving me a lot of hope and that’s what I’m going for this year. We had a good start but now we are going for the big deal.”
“I want a fight so I can get a title shot. I don’t want to build anything up, or get build up fights or whatever. We’re going for the top and I’m happy that they are giving me the opportunity.”
Gegard Mousasi is an extremely talented fighter, and well rounded to boot. Some questions may remain about his wrestling defense, seemingly his only hole. Does he have a chance to beat Alexander Gustafsson in Sweden? If he does, will a date with Jon Jones (or Chael Sonnen I suppose could happen) be on the horizon?
