It’s been a while since I chatted with Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ, Gegard Mousasi.  I decided to contact Gegard and see what he has been up to.  Below is an interview where he talks about Sokoudjou, steriods, video games, and much more!

NERDSociety (NS): When you beat Babalu for the belt, you looked bored. How was your mindset and what did you think of the fight?

Gegard Mousasi (GM): I was very relaxed going into the fight. I wasn’t bored at all but it can look that way, that’s how I look in most of my fights. I perform better when I’m relaxed instead of being tense and stressed out, so I clear my mind beforehand. Regarding the fight with Babalu, I can’t really analyze it because it ended too fast, I couldn’t even tell who was stronger.

NS: Where are you currently training at and do you still train with Fedor?

GM: I am training in Holland with several good friends of mine. Sometimes we train at other gyms so I can be more well rounded. I haven’t trained with Fedor in a while.

NS: Did you see the Machida/Shogun fight? Who do you think won?

GM: I was really looking forward to the fight but I only saw the first round. Something came up so I missed the rest of the fight (laughs). I’ll finish watching the fight someday.

Mousasi destroying Babalu

NS: Would you ever consider doing a seminar here in Southern California? There’s a lot of MMA fans here.

GM: No, I’m not a good teacher so I wouldn’t offer anything new to the students. I’m better at receiving instructions than giving them.

NS: For your fight this Saturday against Sokoudjou, are you going to stand up or take him to the ground?

GM: I definitely want to stand up with him and exchange punches. But if it goes to the ground, that’s fine too, I’m comfortable.

NS: You’re usually a calm guy but in one interview,you were really annoyed by Paulo Filho. Are you ever going to fight him in the U.S, where the fight will be sanctioned and tested for illegal substance?

GM: I’ll fight anybody but that’s up to the promoters. I mean, I’ll still fight in Japan even if they don’t test for steroids. It doesn’t autotmatically mean that the fighter taking the steroids will win the fight, but it just gives them more advantage.

Mousasi traveling in the U.S. and shopping.

NS: Besides having cheap jeans (based on the video), what else do you like about the U.S.?

GM: I love the great weather and the tv shows are pretty cool. I feel at home in the U.S., I don’t feel like a visitor for some reason, it feels familiar.

NS: Last time we talked, you were playing Mortal Kombat Vs. DC, what games are you currently playing?

GM: I haven’t played much video games because I’ve been busy training. But sometimes, I play Modern Warfare.

NS: Not even Street Fighter 4? That’s one of my favorite games.

GM: I haven’t played the 4th one but I used to play the older versions. My favorite character is the Boxer (Balrog).

NS: MMA fans love your humble and easy going attitude, any final words to them?

GM: Thanks for the support. I hope I’ll do well in my upcoming fight against Sokojodou. I also hope all the fans will enjoy it!

Make sure to check out the Strikeforce on CBS this Saturday, November 7th.  The show starts at 8pm Pacific/Eastern. Check out our predictions here.

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