M-1Global.com had the chance to speak with 2009 DREAM middleweight Grand Prix champion and former STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi. Mousasi spoke about his recent trip to watch the M-1 Selection, its champions, and the potential futures of these up and coming fighters.
Tomasz Narkun
The International Mixed Martial Arts event “M-1 Selection Finals” took place in the Universal Sport Hall “Druzhba” (Luzhniki) in Moscow on July 22nd, 2010. The finalists came from Eastern and Western Europe and fought for the championship in three different pools. To reach the final, two pre-fights (selections) took place. Later this year the finalists of Eastern and Western Europe, Asia and United States will compete during the M-1 Global championship.
M-1Global: Gegard, what do you think of the level of M-1 Selection Finals?
Gegard Mousasi: The level of practically all the competitions was undoubtedly high. It was nice to see that the fighters from Eastern Europe have become even better on the ground. That must motivate those fighters that still have to improve their performance.
M-1Global: Were there any fighters that impressed you?
Gegard Mousasi: Yes.. actually, quite a lot. To begin with, I enjoyed watching the lightweights. In particular, the Russian lightweights were good. Luckily, I don’t fight in that weight category. The Legion fighter Magomed Shikshabekov made a very good impression and certainly has great prospects.
M-1Global: Any other fighters that were caught your attention?
Gegard Mousasi: I must say I was quite happy with the results of Tomasz Narkun. This fighter will definitely go big in the future. He has just turned 20 but tactically and technically he has reached a very high level. He regularly trains with me and makes sure that I stay on the ground. If everything is planned well for him, in two years there will be no way to stop him on his way to the top. It is important that he keeps working on his skills in a proper way. I believe he is the future light heavyweight champion. In two years he will make a dangerous opponent for any light heavy weight fighter .
M-1Global: Gegard, thanks a lot for your perspective of the future champions of M1. Regarding your own championship title for the Dream lightweight, what is the situation?
Gegard Mousasi: I have just returned from a wonderful vacation. I feel well rested and am going to try to win my third title. Further I hope that I can fight for the title in SF soon again. My ultimate ambition is to win the titles in three weight categories.
