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Gegard Mousasi, a seasoned MMA veteran and former champion, finds himself in a state of uncertainty and frustration due to what he perceives as a lack of communication and potential pay cut pressures from the PFL.
Mousasi, with an impressive record of 49 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, hasn't seen action in the cage for 11 months, following a unanimous decision loss to Fabian Edwards in May. Under Bellator's new ownership by PFL, Mousasi expected a transition period but has encountered what he describes as "radio silence" regarding his fighting future.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Mousasi expressed his concerns, stating,
"I’ve been training in and out a little bit because I don’t get any news from the PFL or Bellator – people think I’m retired actually."
The 38-year-old fighter revealed that he has three fights remaining on his contract with Bellator, now under PFL's umbrella, but feels neglected and frozen out of opportunities. He mentioned attempts to contact PFL for clarity on their plans but has faced a lack of response, leading to a sense of being undervalued and pressured to accept a pay cut.
"The problem is my manager tried to contact them and they don’t even respond," Mousasi explained. "There’s no effort to promote or get me a fight. It’s radio silence with them."
Mousasi's frustration is palpable as he navigates this challenging situation. Despite his readiness to jump into a training camp and compete, the lack of communication and perceived disregard for his contract terms has left him in limbo.
"This is my way to send a message to them at least because it’s difficult to get them on the phone. I have to go media. It’s like UFC cutting fighters and they find out online. I have to communicate through media with them. It’s crazy," Mousasi voiced.
As a seasoned fighter who has traversed various promotions, Mousasi understands the complexities of the fight game but emphasizes the need for transparency and respect for contractual obligations.
In the ever-evolving landscape of MMA, Mousasi's plight sheds light on the challenges faced by fighters in negotiating fair terms and maintaining active fighting careers.