M-1 Global is proud to congratulate Gegard Mousasi for capturing the DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Title with same day victories over Melvin Manhoef (25-5-1) and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (10-2). Mousasi (24-2-1), an Armenian born fighter based in Holland, fought for Team Holland in the 2008 M-1 Global Challenge Event No. 1 prior to embarking on his amazing run in the DREAM tournament
Beginning with a 1st round triangle choke submission of favorite Dennis Kang (30-10-1) at DREAM 2 on April 29, 2008, and culminating with a devastating upkick that stopped Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom Jacare dead in his tracks, the 23-year-old underdog in the DREAM tournament is now firmly entrenched as one of the best middleweights in the world. A striking coach for fellow M-1 fighter and Pound-for-Pound MMA king Fedor Emelianenko, Mousasi has now won 11 fights in a row and is a favorite for fighter of the year honors with a record of 6-0 in 2008.
Mousasi will defend his newly earned title on New Year’s Eve in Japan. Mousasi has challenged Akyama for this fight who is considered a very strong Japanese fighter with victories over Denis Kang and Melvin Manhoef.
In the near future, Mousasi will certainly be featured on the card for one of the Affliction/M-1 events.
Emelianenko was in attendance to view his stablemate’s crowning achievement at Saitama Arena, the Mecca of MMA in Japan. “Gegard was simply amazing tonight and I am very happy for him,” commented Emelianenko. “He handled a dangerous striker in Manhoef brilliantly and then took care of Jacare on the ground with a perfectly timed kick. And I am confident that there is more greatness to come from Mousasi.”
MMA fans in the United States can catch Gegard Mousasi and other future stars of MMA every Friday at 8pm ET on HDNet during its weekly M-1 Challenge broadcasts. The M-1 Challenge can also be viewed on television stations in over 40 countries. The next LIVE M-1 Global Challenge will be hosted by Warriors Promotions this Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Nottingham, England. Mousasi, along with fellow M-1 fighter Aleksander Emelianenko, will be on hand for a special MMA seminar on the day of the event. For more information, log on to www.m1mixfight.com or www.cagewarriors.com.
The M-1 Global Challenge will then make its United States debut with four M-1 international teams invading Harrah’s Casino in Kansas City, Missouri. Log on to www.m1mixfight.com or www.titanentertainment.com in the upcoming days for announcements about the first M-1 Challenge show in the United States.
