Gegard Mousasi says contract negotiations with the UFC are “not good”

When Gegard Mousasi defeated Chris Weidman at UFC 210, it marked the final obligation of his current UFC contract. With this milestone, he and the UFC began negotiating the terms of a new contract. Apparently, however, those negotiations have not been fruitful.

Mousasi updated on the situation on the latest episode of UFC Tonight.

“It’s not good,” Mousasi said (transcription via Sherdog.com). “We don’t like it.”

“I think I earned [a better contract]. If you’re one of the best fighters you should get paid. Sometimes it’s about nationality. Sage Northcutt I just heard is making ($75,000/$75,000) and the guy is a beginner. Don’t tell me it’s a fair sport. It has to be something with rankings, if you’re one of the best you should get paid as one of the best. I’m up there…I’ve earned what I should get.”

“We want to sign with the UFC. The UFC wants to sign also, so I don’t know. They should pay,” he said.

“I’m co-main event all the time, so it’s not like people don’t know me.”

If Mousasi does come to an agreement with the UFC, he believes the only logical option for an opponent would be former champion Luke Rockhold.

“At this moment there is only one guy left. It’s Luke Rockhold,” Mousasi said. “And that’s the fight the UFC wants to make. I’m open for it. It’s a good fight for me.”

If he’s unable to agree to the terms of a new contract, however, he’s willing to begin fielding offers from other promotions.

“I have one and a half months left and then I can go and talk to other [promotions],” Mousasi said.

Do you think Gegard Mousasi and the UFC will come to an agreement on a new contract? Sound off in the comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/25/2017.