Gegard Mousasi stormed the middleweight rankings in 2008 amassing incredible record of 6 victories in MMA and 1 win in K-1 with no defeats. Shortly after becoming DREAM Grand Prix winner and middleweight champion Young vagabond set a new goal – light heavyweight and eventually heavyweight…
During a recent interview with M-1Global.com Contributing Editor Michael Mazur, Mousasi discussed the new challenge, his next fight and more…

Michael Mazur: How are you doing? What have you been up to lately?
Gegard Mousasi: I am doing fine. Not too much news, just training a lot and relaxing till my next fight.

Michael Mazur: You’ve discussed moving up to light heavyweight and eventually heavyweight. However, you are ranked top five as a middleweight by WAMMA. Why not try to become the top middleweight in the world before trying to take on a new weight class?
Gegard Mousasi: Even if I wanted to jump back to middleweight it’s not healthy for me anymore to do. Preparing to the K-1 fight against Musashi I gained weight as I didn’t want to give him an advantage. Moreover because of my age I am growing and getting bigger so it’s a natural process to become heavier. Well, there is a lot of challenge in the middleweight but I can’t make that weight anymore.

Michael Mazur: How is gaining weight going? How much do you weigh now? What weight is the goal right now? Do you eat much?
Gegard Mousasi: I weigh around 98 kg (216 lbs) now. I have been lazy and haven’t worked a lot on my fitness so initially I reached 101 kg. After I heard that I wouldn’t fight I stopped training excessively and lost some weight getting back to 98 kg. Originally my plan was to test my feelings at 103-105 kg (227-231,5 lbs) to decide whether fighting as a heavyweight or light heavyweight is feasible. However, it turned out to be too much weight at once. So that was my goal but I think it’s smart to fight first as a light heavyweight. I don’t put lots of effort to retain this weight, it’s my normal weight now.

Michael Mazur: What are the new challenges you experience now having put more weight?
Gegard Mousasi: First I felt that the speed and explosiveness weren’t as good as they were before but it all came back by now. I feel stronger than ever. Definitely, it took some time but I feel myself very confident at this weight so I don’t think I will have problems in my future fights. I could have gone to Russia to train with Fedor but it turned out otherwise. I’d like to test myself with him now that I weigh more.

Michael Mazur: You’ve been to Bulgaria where the second edition of M-1 Challenge 2009 was held. How did you like it? Is MMA popular there?
Gegard Mousasi: I liked it. There were some entertaining fights. Unfortunately, the team that I was coaching didn’t do well but the next time they will do better. The show was sold out so I believe it’s an indicator of wide popularity of MMA in Bulgaria.

Michael Mazur: When and where is your next fight scheduled?
Gegard Mousasi: Looks like It’s going to be DREAM 9 on May, 26th. I believe it will be Sokoudjou but it’s not for sure yet I am still waiting for a confirmation.

Michael Mazur: Against whom would you personally like to fight?
Gegard Mousasi: There is no one special. The thing is that at this level any opponent is tough and dangerous. I have to be ready and well prepared every time I step into the ring.

Michael Mazur: Are there any up-and-coming young talents we should keep our eye on that train with you?
Gegard Mousasi: Jessie Gibbs is a great fighter. I think all he needs is the chance to showcase himself in a big organization.

Michael Mazur: You’ve also expressed a desire to go into professional boxing. In many countries around the world, MMA has surpassed boxing’s popularity as a combat sport. Why from all the momentum you’ve gained in your MMA career in the last year to get involved in a sport that some feel is dying?
Gegard Mousasi: First off, I started with boxing, it’s something that I really like. It’s something close to my heart and roots. I always dreamed of participating in the Olympics and becoming a boxing champion some day. Anyway, life took me in other direction. As for the money in boxing, what’s been offered to me is not much but I still want to do it eventually. We’ll see.

Michael Mazur: You said once about your plans to move eventually to Armenia. Is that still the intention?
Gegard Mousasi: I have figured out that I really don’t like big changes in my life. My family lives in Yerevan. I love living in Holland but you never now what the future brings.

Michael Mazur: Were there any requests to hold an open training session in Armenia that could coincide with your visit of your family?
Gegard Mousasi: Ha-ha, no I don’t think that beside my family any one in Armenia knows who I am.

Michael Mazur: How important is it for you to build up a name in the U.S.? Where do you think would be the best home (promotion) for you in the U.S. and how soon can U.S. fans expect you to fight on American soil?
Gegard Mousasi: I think Affliction is the best choice for me. I believe the next show will be in July so I am looking forward to it.

Michael Mazur: Thank you very much for your time. Any closing words for your fans or sponsors?
Gegard Mousasi: Thanks for the support and following my career. I’d like to thank my sponsors Twins and Affliction.