Gegard Mousasi parts ways with PFL-Bellator following legal dispute

Gegard Mousasi, the former two-time middleweight champion of Bellator, has been released from his contract with the organization, as well as with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The decision came after Mousasi voiced his grievances with the company, claiming he had been sidelined and disrespected since the sale of Bellator to PFL at the end of 2023.

In a statement released by Bellator, Mike Kogan, head of fighter operations, wished Mousasi the best in his future fighting endeavors. Mousasi had been vocal about feeling undervalued by PFL officials, who allegedly told him he was making “too much money” based on his previous contract.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Mousasi hinted at potential legal action against the organization for failing to book him for a fight since the ownership change. Just a day after his comments, Mousasi was released from his contract.

In response to the release, Mousasi’s management team issued a statement expressing disappointment in how PFL had treated the fighter, especially considering their claims of being “fighter first.”

At 38 years old, Mousasi now finds himself as a free agent, looking to continue his fighting career after a successful run in the UFC before joining Bellator in 2017. Despite his recent loss to Fabian Edwards in May 2023, Mousasi remains a respected figure in the MMA community and will undoubtedly attract interest from other organizations looking to add a seasoned veteran to their roster.