5 possible opponents for Gegard Mousasi

#2. Gegard Mousasi vs. Phil 'Mr. Wonderful' Davis

Photo credit: Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

If Gegard Mousasi moves to light heavyweight while waiting for another contender at middleweight, a bout with Phil Davis makes sense.

The former Bellator light heavyweight champion is coming off a split-decision win over Yoel Romero. Davis is ranked second in the division after defeating Romero, but it might be a while before he gets a title shot.

'Mr. Wonderful' will need to wait for the light heavyweight Grand Prix final between Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson. Depending on what transpires, the Grand Prix winner could be out of action until spring or early summer.

A Mousasi-Davis bout could be a win-win. Mousasi could test himself against a top light heavyweight and Davis could remain active.

It would also, undoubtedly, be an intriguing matchup.

Davis, a former NCAA Div I National Champion, has excellent wrestling. Mousasi, on the other hand, has great striking. He's also no stranger to fighting against larger opponents. Some of his past opponents include former UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt, Gary Goodridge and Keith Jardine.

---

#1). Gegard Mousasi vs. Vadim Nemkov

Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

Topping this list of possible opponents for Gegard Mousasi is current Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov. Nemkov is currently tied up with the Grand Prix finals coming up in early 2022. He will be defending his championship against Corey Anderson, and the winner will earn a $1 million prize.

Nemkov has been impressive since making his Bellator debut in 2017. Currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, Nemkov will look to add another former UFC light heavyweight contender to his list of wins. What makes Nemkov's Bellator run so impressive is that he hasn't had an easy fight. Nemkov has defeated four former champions, including Liam McGeary, Phil Davis, Rafael Carvalho and Ryan Bader.

Bellator President Scott Coker has stated in the past that he wouldn't be opposed to Mousasi moving up to 205 lbs. Mousasi has certainly earned an opportunity should he choose to attempt winning a second championship. Mousasi-Nemkov would be a lot more realistic if Nemokov wins the Grand Prix.

Mousasi-Nemkov would be a great fight as the two have shown minimal weakness in their recent outings. Defeating Mousasi would definitely add to Nemkov's legacy, so it might be appealing to him to push for that bout.

On the other hand, defeating Nemkov would be significant for Mousasi. The win would make Mousasi a two-division champion by beating one of the top light heavyweights in the world.

Looking at the Bellator light heavyweight rankings, Mousasi-Nemkov would make a lot of sense after the Grand Prix.

Nemkov has already beaten No.2-ranked Phil Davis twice, while No.3-ranked Ryan Bader is returning to heavyweight. That leaves No.4-ranked Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson, who's currently inactive, and 5th-placed Julius Anglickas, who Nemkov recently defeated.