Gegard Mousasi Officially Released from PFL and Bellator Contracts
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, it has been confirmed that Gegard Mousasi, the former two-time middleweight champion, has been released from his contracts with both PFL and Bellator. The announcement was made by PFL and Bellator officials on Thursday, following Mousasi's threats of legal action over his grievances with the companies.
Mike Kogan, head of fighter operations at Bellator, stated in a release, "Bellator has released Gegard Mousasi from his agreement. We wish him all the best in his next fighting chapter." This decision comes after a long stint with Bellator, during which Mousasi voiced concerns about being sidelined after Bellator's sale to PFL in 2023.
Mousasi claimed that PFL officials had informed him that he made "too much money" based on his previous contract with Bellator, which was signed under the previous ownership of Paramount. Additionally, Mousasi expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the promotion in recent weeks as he sought a resolution.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Mousasi hinted at the possibility of legal action, saying, "If someone doesn't want me, I'm like, 'F*** it. Let's go.' But my team around me is like, 'F*** it, we'll sue them.'" He also expressed feeling disrespected by the lack of response from the organization.
Mere hours after his candid remarks, Mousasi's contract was terminated. His management team responded with caution, stating, "We will not comment on the alleged release at this time for obvious reasons." They went on to highlight the importance of observing how organizations treat their fighters, particularly those who are considered legends.
At 38 years old, Mousasi is now a free agent, eager to continue his competitive career. Prior to his time with Bellator, Mousasi achieved success as a top contender in the UFC. Ironically, Mousasi's final appearance under the Bellator banner resulted in a decision loss to Fabian Edwards in May 2023, marking the end of his tenure with the organization.
As the news of Mousasi's release spreads, the MMA community awaits updates on his next move. With his impressive record and experience, he is sure to attract attention from other promotions searching for a formidable middleweight fighter. The saga of Gegard Mousasi's career takes an unexpected turn, leaving fans and analysts alike curious about what lies ahead for the talented fighter.