UFC 210's Gegard Mousasi: I know 'exactly' how Chris Weidman will fight

Gegard Mousasi apparently has Chris Weidman well scouted ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC 210.

Mousasi (41-6-2 MMA, 8-3 UFC), who brings a four-fight winning streak into the upcoming bout with Weidman (13-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC), is looking to make his push toward a title shot with a signature victory over the former UFC middleweight champ. Given his demeanor leading up to the bout, Mousasi doesn’t have any doubt about the outcome.

“I know how Chris Weidman’s going to fight,” Mousasi said on today’s UFC 210 conference call. “He’s going to come forward, he’s going to try to put the pressure on me, work on the cardio, do some wrestling, do some striking. But at the end of the day I’m prepared, I know exactly what he’s going to do, so I’m more than prepared. I got my skills, and I’m going to show it the 8th of April. I’m very confident, that’s all I can say.”

UFC 210 takes place April 8 at KenBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. Mousasi vs. Weidman co-headlines the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Although Mousasi, No. 7 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, is riding a solid run of four consecutive victories (with the past three by knockout), he is still looking to gain the respect he feels he deserves in his division.

That’s why “The Dreamcatcher” has become more outspoken on the sport in recent months, but he said he’s not necessarily forcing it. Mousasi said he’s aware of the importance to opening up to fans and media, and he hopes that combination along with his octagon performances eventually takes him where he wants.

“I’m just speaking my mind,” Mousasi said. “I’m not acting. I’m not an actor. Some guys, they’re good at trash talking. They put on an act like WWE. But at the end of the day I’m just me, I’m just speaking my mind. I’m coming to fight.”

The muddy state of the UFC middleweight title picture is well documented at this point, with champ Michael Bisping set to fight Georges St-Pierre later this year while Yoel Romero waits in the wings for a title shot of his own. Beating No. 5-ranked Weidman would certainly help Mousasi’s case, but with nearly 14 years of experience, Mousasi said he’s wise enough to know his next fight still won’t be for a title.

“I don’t think (I will get a title shot),” Mousasi said. “Yoel Romero is next, he’s the No. 1 contender. I’m not focused on the title right now. I’m just focused on Weidman, to get the win. That’s all.”

For more on UFC 210, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.