Gegard Mousasi
From CageWiki
Contents |
Early Career
After being drawn to the martial arts as a child, and becoming the Netherlands amateur boxing national champion at the age of 16, Gegard "Young Vagabond" Mousasi (born August 1, 1985) turned to a career in Mixed Martial Arts. At 17, Mousasi made his professional debut on April 27, 2003, winning with a first round TKO.
The "Young Vagabond" fought as often as possible, once competing eight times in a single year. He worked for various promotions such as, IMA, M-1 Mix fight, Fight Festival, RINGS, and 2H2H. By late 2005, Mousasi had amassed a record of 8-1-1 with every win coming by knockout or submission.
DEEP and PRIDE
Having established himself as a threat to any 185lb. fighter in the world, Gegard was invited to compete in DEEP against Pancrase veteran Tsuyoshi Kurihara. Kurihara lasted only 0:10 before falling to devastating knee. His next DEEP match, a contest with Hidetada Irie, ended in similarly impressive fashion when Irie's corner threw in the towel as Mousasi rained down punches.
An seasoned fighter at the age of 20, Gegard and his 13-1-1 record, caught the attention of Japan's PRIDE. Making his first appearance at PRIDE - Bushido 11, "Young Vagabond" demolished Makoto Takimoto, breaking his eye socket in one of MMA's grisliest moments.
Riding a nine-fight win streak Mousasi then faced Akahiro Gono, losing by Armbar. Gegard's final PRIDE bout was a decision win over Hector Lombard.
Life after PRIDE
After the demise of Japan's premier organization, the "Young Vagabond" returned to smaller shows. On December 9, 2006, in his fourteenth fight in two years(!), he became the Cage Warriors FC Middleweight Champion, after stopping Gregory Bouchelaghem with strikes in the first round.
Mousasi's next bouts for M-1, Bodog Fight, and Hardcore Fighting Championships, yielded a win by choke and four in a row by TKO, including a victory of Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos.
DREAM
On April, 29, 2008, Gegard Mousasi was paired with Denis Kang in the initial bracket of DREAM's Middleweight Grand Prix. The highly anticipated bout ended with Mousasi sinking in a Triangle Choke. With the win, he advanced to a quarter final battle facing Dong Sik Yoon, which resulted in the second trip to a decision in Mousasi's career. And the second unanimous win.
The tournament semi final pit Gegard against hard-hitting K-1 striker Melvin Manhoef. Manhoef succumbed to a Triangle Choke at 1:28 of the first round. The finals were held on the same night and Mousasi once again emerged victorious. With a thunderous up kick the "Young Vagabond" knocked out renowned grappler Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, and became the first ever DREAM Middleweight Champion.
The Future
Recently Mousasi was contracted by Affliction, however he does not yet have a match booked with that promotion or with DREAM.
Mixed martial arts record
24-2-1
| 27 matches | 24 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 14 | 0 |
| By submission | 8 | 2 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
Gallery
 |
Mousasi-3.jpg
|
Mousasi-4.jpg
|
Mousasi-5.jpg
|
