Mousasi believes that victory over Lyoto could guarantee him a title shot

G. Mousasi (photo) is in the main fight of UFC Jaraguá against L. Machida. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Despite not even appearing in the top-15 in the middleweight category and occupy ninth place in the light heavyweight rankings, the Armenian-Dutch Gegard Mousasi believes that a victory at UFC Jaraguá over Lyoto Machida, fourth among the middleweights and fourteenth in the light heavyweight division, can stamp his passport towards a title fight in the 84 kg division. According to Mousasi, the scarcity of possible challengers to the title is the main factor that motivates such a perception on his part.

“I'm very excited to have the chance to fight (Lyoto) Machida. Maybe I'll have the chance to fight for the title later, because there aren't that many challengers at middleweight at the moment, I believe. So, right now, I'm pretty excited and this is a fight I can't lose. I have to win and that is my mentality for the fight”, said Mousasi, in an interview with the “MMA Hour” podcast.

On February 15th, in Jaraguá do Sul (SC), the Armenian-Dutch Gegard Mousasi makes his middleweight debut against the Brazilian Lyoto Machida. The fight is the main event of UFC Fight Night 36. In the co-main event of the night, the former champion of the now defunct Strikeforce Ronaldo Jacare He faces Frenchman Francis Carmont, current number eight in the middleweight rankings.

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