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Gegard Mousasi

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Gegard Mousasi
Gegard Mousasi in 2009, at the weigh-in before the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event.
BornGeghard Movsesian
(1985-08-01) August 1, 1985 (age 39)
Tehran, Iran
Other namesThe Dreamcatcher
The Armenian Assassin
NationalityArmenian
Dutch
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight93 kg (205 lb; 14 st 9 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight (2009–present)
Middleweight (2003–2008)
Reach76 in (193 cm)[1]
StyleBoxing, Kickboxing, Judo
Fighting out ofLeiden, Netherlands
TeamRed Devil Sport Club
Team Jurojin
Golden Glory
Hayastan Studio
Main Event Gym
Glendale Fight Club
RankBlack belt in Judo
Years active2003–present
Kickboxing record
Total8
Wins8
By knockout3
Mixed martial arts record
Total39
Wins33
By knockout18
By submission11
By decision4
Losses4
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision1
Draws2
Amateur boxing record
Total13
Wins12
By knockout9
Losses1
Other information
Notable relativesGewik Mousasi (brother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Geghard Movsesian (Armenian: Գեղարդ Մովսեսյան, born 1 August 1985 in Tehran, Iran), better known as Gegard Mousasi, is an Armenian-Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[2] He is fighting out of Team Jurojin in Leiden, Netherlands and is a member of Russian Red Devil Sport Club and Netherlands' Golden Glory. He is the former Dream Light Heavyweight champion, former Dream Middleweight Champion, Cage Warriors Middleweight Champion and the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion. Mousasi is currently ranked as the #10 light heavyweight fighter in the UFC official rankings.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early life and career

Mousasi was born in Tehran,[4] Iran to ethnic Armenian parents during the Iran–Iraq War. At the age of 4,[5] Mousasi and his family relocated to Leiden, Netherlands, where he finished grade school before developing an interest in martial arts.[6]

He started practicing Judo[7] at the age of 8[4] and later boxing at age 15; twelve months later he became the amateur boxing champion of the Netherlands with a 12-1 record, earning 9 knockouts. He then switched to kickboxing and then eventually to mixed martial arts.[6]

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 (broken eye socket) in the 1st round. In the quarter-finals Mousasi went on to face Akihiro Gono, in a losing effort, being defeated late on the 2nd round by submission (Armbar). After losing to Gono, Mousasi was scheduled to face Hector Lombard in the Grand Prix Alternate bout. Mousasi took a unanimous decision victory over the Cuban fighter.

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 Dong Sik Yoon and advanced to the final round, which took place at Dream 6.[8] There he fought and submitted K-1 veteran Melvin Manhoef in the semi-finals 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 Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.

ADCC Championships

In November 21, 2008, ADCC Europe president Marko Leistén confirmed the signing of Mousasi as one of 2009's ADCC Championships. It was rumored he would fight in the under 88KG. 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.[9]

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."[10]

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.[11][12]

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

Affliction

Mousasi was set to fight Renato "Babalu" Sobral at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, 2009, but the event was cancelled after losing its main event 10 days prior to the event.[13] 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.[14]

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. Mousasi defeated Sobral via KO in the first minute of the first round to become the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mousasi would go on to win his second Strikeforce bout by TKO (strikes), 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.[15] Mousasi was originally slated to defend his Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship, but eventually competed in a non-title bout.[16]

Mousasi quickly defeated journeyman Gary Goodridge under MMA rules at Dynamite!! 2009.[17]

On April 17, 2010, Mousasi lost the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship belt in his first defense to Muhammed "Mo" Lawal by way of unanimous judge's decision. Mousasi had, however, outlanded Lawal in Total Punches 171 to 125. The judges may have given the fight to Lawal because he was on top of Mousasi for most of the fight and because of a point deduction given to Mousasi following an illegal up-kick.[18] Lawal would later test positive for anabolic steroids following a fight with Lorenz Larkin.[19]

Dream Light Heavyweight Grand Prix

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

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.[20] The fight resulted in a Draw (majority), mainly due to an illegal upkick which cost Mousasi a point in the first round, even though Mousasi outstruck Jardine 146 to 21 according to FightMetric. 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.”[21] 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."[22]

Mousasi returned to Strikeforce to face Ovince St. Preux on December 17, 2011 at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal.[23] He won the fight via unanimous decision, showing improved takedown defense and wrestling.

Mousasi was expected to face Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey, but Kyle once again withdrew due to injury.[24]

Mousasi was later recovering from knee surgery following a torn ACL and was expected to fully recover by November, 2012.[25] He also signed a new contract for six more fights with the organization, making a total of seven. However, with Strikeforce having shut down,[26] this contract was likely now null and void.

Mousasi faced Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine on January 12, 2013.[27] He won via submission 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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On January 15, 2013, the UFC announced[2] 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 made his promotional debut against Alexander Gustafsson on April 6, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 9, after dominating the first round, he was rocked with a head kick from Gustafsson and finished by punches in the second round which results in the first knockout loss of his career. [28]

Kickboxing career

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. The Armenian 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.[29] 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.[30]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

  • World MMA Awards
    • 2009 European Fighter of the Year

Amateur Boxing

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

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
39 matches 33 wins 4 losses
By knockout 18 1
By submission 11 2
By decision 4 1
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 33-4-2 Sweden Alexander Gustafsson TKO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Mousasi April 6, 2013 2 0:50 Stockholm, Sweden
Win 33–3–2 United States Mike Kyle Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine January 12, 2013 1 4:09 Oklahoma City, United States
Win 32–3–2 Haiti Ovince St. Preux Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal December 17, 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, United States
Win 31–3–2 Japan Hiroshi Izumi TKO (punches) Dream: Japan GP Final July 16, 2011 1 3:29 Tokyo, Japan Defended the DREAM Light Heavyweight Championship.
Draw 30–3–2 United States Keith Jardine Draw (majority) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley April 9, 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, United States Mousasi was deducted 1 point due to an illegal upkick.
Win 30–3–1 Japan Tatsuya Mizuno Submission (rear-naked choke) Dream 16 September 25, 2010 1 6:10 Nagoya, Japan 2010 Dream Light Heavyweight GP Final; Won the Dream Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 29–3–1 United States Jake O'Brien Submission (guillotine choke) Dream 15 July 10, 2010 1 0:31 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2010 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal; 212 lb catchweight bout due to O'Brien missing weight.
Loss 28–3–1 United States Muhammed Lawal Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Nashville April 17, 2010 5 5:00 Nashville, United States Mousasi was deducted one point for delivering an illegal upkick. Lost the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 28–2–1 Trinidad and Tobago Gary Goodridge TKO (punches) Dynamite!! 2009 December 31, 2009 1 1:34 Saitama, Japan Heavyweight bout.
Win 27–2–1 Cameroon Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers November 7, 2009 2 3:43 Hoffman Estates, United States Non-title bout.
Win 26–2–1 Brazil Renato Sobral KO (punches) Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg August 15, 2009 1 1:00 San Jose, United States Won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 25–2–1 Australia Mark Hunt Submission (straight armbar) Dream 9 May 26, 2009 1 1:19 Yokohama, Japan DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Catchweight of 212 pounds.
Win 24–2–1 Brazil Ronaldo Souza KO (upkick) Dream 6 September 23, 2008 1 2:15 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Final; Won inaugural DREAM Middleweight Championship.
Win 23–2–1 Netherlands Melvin Manhoef Submission (triangle choke) Dream 6 September 23, 2008 1 1:28 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 22–2–1 South Korea Yoon Dong-Sik Decision (unanimous) Dream 4 June 15, 2008 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 21–2–1 Canada Denis Kang Submission (triangle choke) Dream 2 April 29, 2008 1 3:10 Saitama, Japan DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win 20–2–1 Germany Steve Mensing TKO (punches) M-1 Mixfight March 2, 2008 1 2:44 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 19–2–1 Brazil Evangelista Santos TKO (punches) HCF: Destiny February 1, 2008 1 3:42 Calgary, Canada 194 lb catchweight bout.
Win 18–2–1 Croatia Damir Mirenic TKO (punches) HCF: Title Wave October 19, 2007 1 4:46 Calgary, Canada
Win 17–2–1 United States Kyacey Uscola TKO (punches) Bodog FIGHT August 25, 2007 1 4:56 Vancouver, Canada
Win 16–2–1 Russia Alexander Kokoev Decision (unanimous) M-1 MFC: Battles July 21, 2007 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 15–2–1 France Gregory Bouchelaghem Submission (punches) CWFC: Enter December 9, 2006 1 2:20 Nottingham, United Kingdom Won the Cage Warriors Middleweight Championship.
Win 14–2–1 Cuba Hector Lombard Decision (unanimous) Pride Bushido 13 November 5, 2006 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Alternate Bout.
Loss 13–2–1 Japan Akihiro Gono Submission (armbar) Pride Bushido 12 August 26, 2006 2 4:24 Nagoya, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 13–1–1 Japan Makoto Takimoto TKO (broken eye socket) Pride Bushido 11 June 4, 2006 1 5:34 Saitama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win 12–1–1 Japan Hidetada Irie TKO (corner stoppage) Deep: 24 Impact April 11, 2006 2 1:29 Tokyo, Japan
Win 11–1–1 Croatia Sanjin Kadunc TKO (punches) Future Battle March 5, 2006 1 0:35 Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Win 10–1–1 Netherlands Andre Fyeet TKO (punches) 2H2H: Mixed Fight December 17, 2005 1 0:40 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 9–1–1 Japan Tsuyoshi Kurihara KO (knee) Deep: 22 Impact December 2, 2005 1 0:10 Tokyo, Japan
Win 8–1–1 Netherlands Stefan Klever TKO (punches) Europe: Rotterdam Rumble October 9, 2005 1 3:39 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win 7–1–1 Netherlands Chico Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) JE: Holland vs. Russia April 24, 2005 1 4:39 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 6–1–1 Republic of Ireland John Donnelly Submission (armbar) Rings: Bushido Ireland March 12, 2005 1 1:02 Dublin, Ireland
Loss 5–1–1 Lithuania Petras Markevičius Submission (armbar) Fight Festival 13 February 28, 2005 2 1:49 Helsinki, Finland
Win 5–0–1 United States Erik Oganov Submission (rear-naked choke) M-1 MFC: Fight Night February 5, 2005 1 2:16 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 4–0–1 Netherlands Rody Trost TKO (punches) IMA: Mix Fight December 19, 2004 1 3:18 Landsmeer, Netherlands
Win 3–0–1 Finland Niko Puhakka Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Festival 11 September 11, 2004 2 2:17 Helsinki, Finland
Draw 2–0–1 Brazil Gilson Ferreira Draw Fight Gala November 15, 2003 2 5:00 Zaandam, Netherlands
Win 2–0 Netherlands Xander Nel TKO (punches) IMA: Mixfight October 12, 2003 1 1:05 Badhoevedorp, Netherlands
Win 1–0 Netherlands Daniel Spek TKO (punches) 2H2H: 1st Open Team April 27, 2003 1 3:40 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kickboxing record

Gegard Mousasi kickboxing record
5 wins (3 (T)KO's)

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

  1. ^ "Gegard Mousasi". Fighters. United States: MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2011-09-18.
  2. ^ a b http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/ufc-unveils-list-of-fighters-moving-from-strikeforce-to-ufc
  3. ^ "Light Heavyweight MMA Top 10". ufc.com. February, 2013. Retrieved 2013-02-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b Interview with MMA Mail Magazine at Seni 2010 in London http://mmamail.com 2010-05-30
  5. ^ "About Gegard". Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  6. ^ a b Leidecker, Tim. "Europe's Best-Kept Secret". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  7. ^ "Exclusive: Gegard Mousasi". M1mixfight.com. 2008-09-19. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  8. ^ Sherdog.com. "Fight Finder - Dream 4 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Quarterfinals". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  9. ^ Brady, Cory (August 28, 2009). "Fedor Emelianenko Submits Gegard Mousasi at "M-1 Global: Breakthrough"". FiveOuncesofPain. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  10. ^ Loretta Hunt. "Mousasi Leaves M-1 Global". Sherdog.
  11. ^ "Gegard Moussasi Plans to Move Up from Middleweight". MMAUniverse.com. 2009-01-20. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  12. ^ Hunt, Loretta (2009-02-14). "Middleweight Mousasi To Take Heavyweight Leap". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  13. ^ "Affliction Releases Official Statement on Cancellation". The Fight Network. 2009-07-24. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
  14. ^ Stupp, Dann. "Mousasi refuses Affliction III middleweight bout, challenges Belfort to catch-weight". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  15. ^ "Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou completes Strikeforce's Nov. 7 CBS lineup". mmajunkie.com. 2009-10-09. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
  16. ^ "Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou completes Strikeforce's Nov. 7 CBS lineup". MMAJunkie. 2009-10-09. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
  17. ^ "Gegard Mousasi Respectfully Dispatches Gary Goodridge". headkicklegend.com. Retrieved 2009-12-31.
  18. ^ "FightMetric Releases Stats For King Mo Lawal vs. Mousasi, Quality Over Quantity". mmaforreal.com. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
  19. ^ "Strikeforce's 'King Mo' Lawal tests positive for anabolic steroid, fighter denies use". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  20. ^ "Jardine replaces injured Kyle, faces Mousasi at "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley"". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2011-04-01.
  21. ^ "Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker: Mousasi vs. Jardine II likely". fighters.com. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  22. ^ "Robbery of the Half-Year: Nick Ring vs. Riki Fukuda". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
  23. ^ "Ovince St. Preux vs. ex-champ Gegard Mousasi booked for Dec. 17 Strikeforce event". mmajunkie.com. 2011-09-20.
  24. ^ "Injured Mike Kyle scratches from 'Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey' co-headliner". mmajunkie.com. 2012-02-13.
  25. ^ "Guests: Gegard Mousasi and Jessica Penne. Mousasi is recuperating from knee surgery, while Penne is coming off a win at Invicta FC". taggradio.com. 2012-05-02.
  26. ^ "The End of Strikeforce". Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  27. ^ "STRIKEFORCE® MARQUARDT VS. SAFFIEDINE". strikeforce.com. 2012-11-30.
  28. ^ Ariel Helwani (January 19, 2013). "Alexander Gustafsson vs. Gegard Mousasi slated for April in Sweden". mmafighting.com.
  29. ^ "Geghard Movsisian launches qualification process to join Holland's Olympic team". panarmenian.net. 2011-01-31.
  30. ^ "Strikeforce's Mousasi on mend following ACL surgery, UFC champ Jones on radar". mmajunkie.com. 2012-05-14.
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 		Current holder
Preceded by 3rd Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion
August 15, 2009 - April 17, 2010 		Succeeded by

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