So now that it's official, there's already plenty of great fights across a few divisions for Gegard Mousasi in Bellator. Let's get into it, starting with the most obvious...
Rafael Carvalho (14-1)
With his resume, Mousasi could have an immediate title shot if he wants. The only problem here is that Carvalho is already booked to face Sakara in December in Italy. That's a long time to wait. If he doesn't want that much time off, there's always the champ at LHW....
Ryan Bader (23-5)
The fight with Phil Davis wasn't exciting enough to warrant a rematch, and Linton Vassell deserves the shot, but they could always let him rest and promise him the winner. Mousasi previously had his Strikeforce title taken by a wrestler. He could use this fight to show he's eliminated that weakness.
Rory MacDonald (19-4)
Mousasi has already mentioned wanting to go down to fight him, but depending on timing and circumstances, maybe this fight happens at 185. Rory has mentioned wanting to go up to MW. If Mousasi takes the title from Carvalho and Rory has the WW title, a champion vs champion fight is an easy sell. IF Rory is champion. Otherwise..
Douglas Lima (29-6)
Lima would welcome the challenge for sure, at WW or at MW. Seeing as how Lima could still be champion early next year, and has also mentioned someday making the jump to MW. He hits like a truck, so if it stays standing, there's always the chance he finds the TKO.
King Mo (20-5-1)
Mousasi could go up right away, looking for revenge. Or, if he takes the belt from Bader first, he could try to stop history from repeating itself by defending against King Mo. Mo's wrestling always makes him a threat, and he's shown considerable power in his hands, if they find your chin.
Alexander Shlemenko (54-9-1)
Bellator has made significant strides into going international, and that trend doesn't look like it will slow anytime soon. A bout between Storm and Mousasi could easily headline a show in the Netherlands or in Russia.
Anatoly Tokov (25-3)
If Mousasi does in fact crush Carvalho, at some point in his 6 fight contract he'll be defending it. By that time, Tokov could easily have staked his claim as number 1 contender. Speaking of...
John Salter (13-3)
Right now, Salter is next in line. He was overlooked because Sakara is a big draw in Italy, and a title fight against Carvalho will sell well. He'll also likely get overlooked in favor of Mousasi, whose resume is greater and whose name will draw better. That won't sit well with Salter, who will keep winning fights until he can't be overlooked anymore.
Chael Sonnen (30-15-1)
Chael could talk his way into this ass kicking if he wants, and I'm sure everyone would be ok seeing Mousasi make Chael eat whatever words he uses to sell this fight.
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