Gegard Mousasi: I'm Well Aware of the Dangers Fabian Edwards Presents

Gegard Mousasi talks with the press ahead of his bout Friday in Paris at Bellator 296.

On his training camp preparations for Fabian Edwards: “I focused on wrestling and stand-up. [My teammate and former Edwards opponent Costello van Steenis] warned me about the danger of his left hand, how he’s able to strike from a distance when you think you’re not in danger. We’ll see how the fight goes. Costello was actually injured in that fight, so I think I should be ready.”

On his desire to fight in the Netherlands: “Always. If they come to Amsterdam, I would fight one more. But it’s up to the government. I think BELLATOR can easily come to Holland. I think it’ll work out eventually, but it just takes a little more time. They were very close last time. It’s all about time. Eventually, it will happen, I think.”

On his relationship with BELLATOR and Scott Coker: “I think I had a relationship with Scott [Coker] from Strikeforce. I don’t know if I’m one of these guys, but I know BELLATOR has some of the best fighters in the world. They’re all guys who can compete with and beat UFC champions. It’s the best roster they’ve ever had, and the level of competition has gotten tougher… I can definitely see some of them beating the champions now. I mean, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight. I think, below heavyweight, I’d give everyone a good chance of winning.”

“I just have to have the mentality of going into the fight and just letting it go. Last fight, [Johnny Eblen] caught me in the first round and I fuc*ed up after that. So, we’re just going to go and put the pressure on [Edwards this Friday night].”

On the fight with Eblen: “I think he was more hungry. He was better prepared. The fight after me, against Tokov, he did pretty well, also. He showed he’s someone to take seriously and not take lightly. He’s a serious fighter and a good champion. First Edwards, and then we go for another shot.”

On whether Eblen or Edwards is the tougher fight: “You never know if it’s going to be an easy fight. A lot can change in eleven months. I think Johnny Eblen is a better fighter [than Edwards], but everyone has different weapons. I don’t know if it’s going to be easier, but I think Johnny Eblen is better.”