Gegard Mousasi talks ‘brutal’ UFC contract negotiations
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A true MMA legend, Gegard Mousasi has fought under the banner of some of the greatest MMA promotions in the world. However, he’s recently spilled the beans about just how brutal it is to negotiate with the UFC.
“The Dreamcatcher” first signed with them in 2013. At first, he traded wins and losses mostly but soon found himself on a major streak. Winning five straight fights over impressive names, such as Vitor Belfort and Chris Weidman.
Gegard Mousasi Addresses Negotiation Difficulties With the UFC
“I think they (the UFC) had Luke Rockhold in mind. I think that was the fight that they wanted to make, but I knew what Jacare (Souza) was offered,” Mousasi told CBS Sports. “They offered me much, much lower than Jacare. I said, ‘I’m not going to sign that shit.’ They lowballed me. On my first contract also, because I was coming off Strikeforce, I wasn’t doing very well in UFC, they said, ‘You sign it or you leave.’ No negotiations. You sign or you leave.”
Considering the success “The Dreamcatcher” would go on to achieve, it’s mind-boggling to think the UFC would have this approach.
“UFC can be hard in negotiations. People think it’s all kisses and hugs. Believe me, they can be brutal. If they need you, Dana White will call you… If they don’t need you, you’re going to find out (online) that you’ve been released.”
Of course, Mousasi is referencing his 2017 departure from the UFC. They didn’t pay him what he felt he deserved, so “The Dreamcatcher” took his services to Bellator. Since then, that decision has really paid off. 7-1 under the Bellator promotional banner, Mousasi is riding a four-fight win streak. Not to mention that he’s a 2x Bellator middleweight champion.
Do you think we’re seeing a similar situation right now with the UFC and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou? Leave your opinion on all this in the comments below!
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