Report: Mousasi to face Kyle, UFC likely next

Armenia’s Gegard (The Dreamcatcher) Mousasi is one of the best MMA fighters who is relatively unknown to the average fight fan.

That could change fairly soon. The two-division Dream champion and former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ hasn’t fought since last December, but is currently in negotiations to join the UFC for the first time, according to FullContactFighter.com.

“If everything goes well, I will be headed to the UFC,” Mousasi said in an exclusive interview.

He also said he is confident of his ability to compete among the top fighters on the UFC’s roster: “I am 100 percent positive about my abilities to beat anybody.”

The talented kickboxer is 32-3-2 in professional MMA and currently on a five-fight win streak, which included a draw against Keith Jardine at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley in April 2011 where he was deducted a point for an illegal upkick. He suffered a torn ACL since his last win over Ovince St. Preux and underwent knee surgery, but he has recently returned to training.

Mousasi, who lost his Strikeforce light-heavyweight belt to Muhammed (King Mo) Lawal in April 2010 in a unanimous decision that snapped his 15-fight win streak, would like to continue fighting at 205 pounds and eyes a matchup with Mauricio (Shogun) Rua.

But first, he has one more fight to fulfill on his contract with Strikeforce, which is holding what is expected to be its last-ever show on Jan. 12 in Oklahoma City. While he hasn’t been officially added to the card, it appears he will be fighting Mike Kyle on that “Strikeforce: Champions” show. At least, if you believe Kyle, who made the announcement as part of a video he made during a doctor’s visit, which he posted on YouTube:

Kyle (19-8-1, 2 NC) has twice been scheduled to fight Mousasi in Strikeforce before an injury forced him out of it. He’s now hoping the third time’s a charm.

Meanwhile Mousasi, who has fought at middleweight and even a couple of times at heavyweight, told FullContactFighter.com that if he were to lose his next bout, he will drop down to 185 pounds permanently.

Either way, it will be interesting to see the veteran ply his talents in the Octagon. And many people will be interested to see him fighting mainstream.

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