GEGARD MOOUSASI is a master of mixed martial arts.
Mousasi is a seasoned MMA fighter who has competed all over the globe, including in the now-defunct PRIDE promotion. He also won four world titles in four different organizations.
Gegard Mousasi won four world titles in different promotions
Despite his international success and recognition, the Iranian-born Dutchman still feels a tremendous hunger to win.
What is the motivation of the current Bellator champion at middleweight in the 18th year?
It's simple. He added to his legacy by returning as light-heavyweight, and winning a sixth world title.
SunSport spoke with him: "There are a lot fights that have ended in my defeat where I thought, 'Okay I could've won. I could've dominated more.'
"I feel like my prime. I just lost one fight in many. It's like I'm still in my prime.
"But there's more I can show and people what I really am capable of."
"Just to be satisfied with my career. I don't want my career to end feeling like I could have done and shown more.
"And the light-heavyweight Belt, I think that that's something is going to really impact how people look back on what I did in my career."
Mousasi's desire to return to 205 lbs is due to what he considers a dearth of viable middleweight contenders.
He stated, "It wouldn’t be smart to be honest, however, I want to keep busy."
"I am a middleweight but there aren't many big middleweight names for me to fight.
"So, I have fought twice the welterweight champion since there is a shortage of middleweights.
"That's a problem. To be truthful, it's not mine problem.
"It's up to the light-heavyweight champion to defeat me.
"That's certain to be a fight that happens."
If he had been more informed by the promotion, Mousasi might have jumped into the delicious light-heavyweight Grand Prix.
The Dreamcatcher stated: "I received four months notice. "We want you to be in the light-heavyweight tourney."
"But I couldn't do it, because I was dealing with a lot of personal issues at the time. I would have pulled out of this fight.
CONFIDENT
"And I would have been injured. "So, I would not have made it to the light-heavyweight tournament, even if I wanted.
"But it wasn't what I wanted because there wasn't time to gain weight.
It wouldn't have been in our favor. "I'm a fighter, and I want to win my fights.
"I don’t want to lose fights, and then say that I lost because I was hurt or that I fought a larger guy. I want to win. Why would I accept a short notice offer?
Before Mousasi can consider moving up in weight or adding another belt, he must first clear his title defense against Jonathan Salter. This will be the main event at Bellator 264.
The 36-year old is confident and optimistic, but she still hopes for a relaxing night at work.
Former UFC star said that there is no secret about what he will do. He will try to wrestle and look for submissions.
"I think he is confident, he believes that's the style to beat him. But the way I want the cage to be set up is to fight him no matter what the outcome.
"Not to show him too much respect on ground. I will just continue to work, not stay there.
"I will be fine. Although he's a formidable opponent, there are many holes in his game.
"He isn't that fast, he doesn’t have great stand up and I don’t have to worry about his ground-and pound.
"I feel that he is physically strong and can control well. He won't win the race just because he is stronger.
View Bellator 264: Mousasi vs. Salter live on BBC iPlayer starting at 11pm BST Friday, August 13
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