BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Gegard Mousasi became the first fighter to earn four UFC victories in 2016 when he avenged a September 2015 loss to Uriah Hall in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 99 main event.
Mousasi (41-6-2 MMA, 8-3 UFC), who stopped Hall (12-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC) by first-round TKO in the middleweight headliner at SSE Arena in Belfast Northern Ireland, has been on a roll since he suffered an upset knockout loss to Hall at UFC Fight Night 75 less than 14 months ago.
“The Dreamcatcher” has talked about wanted a rematch since almost the minute he lost to Hall in their first fight, and after putting the unfortunate setback behind him with a dominant finish, he said he’s finally ready to move on.
“First fight, he won fair and square,” Mousasi told reporters at UFC Fight Night 99’s post-fight news conference. “I give credit to Uriah, he stepped up, he gave me a rematch. I have to respect that. He’s a nice guy. But this is behind me, I’m tired of that stupid highlight every time I see that stupid kick in my face. I’m tired of it so I can put it behind me. I’ll look forward to go for the title soon.”
Prior to UFC Fight Night 99, Mousasi, No. 7 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, told MMAjunkie he was looking forward to a showdown with fellow former Strikeforce titleholder Luke Rockhold, who hasn’t fought since dropping the UFC belt to Michael Bisping at UFC 199 in June.
He took care of business against Hall, and afterward he said he would like the matchup with No. 3-ranked Rockhold, but isn’t necessarily going to be picky. What he does know, however, is that extending his winning streak to five should put him in position to challenge for the title sometime after that.
Mousasi said he wants to fight anyone who will help insert him into a championship fight, and he doesn’t care if that’s Rockhold, Anderson Silva, Nick Diaz, or someone else who doesn’t immediately come to mind.
“Anderson Silva, Nick Diaz as a super fight, that’s a great fight for me; but to get to a title shot, maybe Luke Rockhold,” Mousasi said. “It depends on UFC. If they give me top-10, top-15, No. 2, I’ll take the fight as long as they give me the next title shot. I’m ready to take anyone.”
For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 99, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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