Stephen Albanese/Tailstar.com
In a move that could drastically alter the career path of one of the sport’s breakthrough forces, Gegard Mousasi told Sherdog.com that he has cut ties with the M-1 Global management outfit, the same Russian-Dutch group that represents heavyweight kingpin Fedor Emelianenko.
The move means that promoters can negotiate directly with the 24-year-old Strikeforce light heavyweight champion. The UFC has clashed on several occasions with M-1 in negotiations to bring in Emelianenko, and their representing Mousasi could have proved a stumbling block to getting “The Dreamcatcher” into the Octagon. UFC President Dana White has expressed public interest in Mousasi, and has gone so far as to say he’s confident he could sign the Iranian-born, Dutch-bred fighter.
Mousasi said he currently has a direct contract with Strikeforce, in which he’s expected to make a first title defense against Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in April. M-1 has a co-promotional deal with Strikeforce on cards where Emelianenko appears that calls for them to split revenues with Strikeforce.
Mousasi, who has said he’s interested in fighting as many as seven times this year, is also eyeing the upcoming light heavyweight grand prix tournament being considered by the Dream organization in Japan, where he first made his name in the sport.