Gegard Mousasi Leaning On Experience In Bellator Title Defense

Gegard Mousasi has been in the cage with many of the top fighters in history.

Mousasi will defend his title against rising prospect Austin Vanderford at Bellator 275 live on Showtime.

“Fighting for so long I have learned a lot,” Mousasi said. “When I fought Lovato Jr. I respected his jiu-jitsu too much, with King Mo, he was too strong, so I stayed down on the ground too long. When Chris Weidman took me down, I got up every single time.”

Vanderford is unbeaten in his career. But Mousasi says “God gave me special powers for this fight.”

“He’s an undefeated, 11-0 guy who is younger than me. He’s confident, he feels he has something to prove, he’s fighting for the belt. I think I have a big task ahead of me,” Mousasi said. “But my coaches told me I have never been stronger, God gave me special powers for this fight, and Austin’s going to feel it.”

The event takes place from Ireland, but the long-distance travel is nothing new for Mousasi. 

I’ve been here before, I’ve fought twice already in Ireland and I’m excited to be here,” he said. “Nice people here, very friendly and they are big fighting fans. I hope to perform well. I think the crowd will be on my side, but I don’t think competing here previously is an advantage.”