Former champion Gegard Mousasi filed a lawsuit in New Jersey against Bellator and its new owners at PFL, alleging breach of contract and other complaints, seeking over $15 million in damages.
Former champion Gegard Mousasi has taken legal action in New Jersey against Bellator and the new owners at PFL. The lawsuit, packed with complaints, primarily revolves around breach of contract.
Filed on a Wednesday, the suit names several key PFL executives. Among them are company co-founder Donn Davis, CEO Peter Murray, and matchmaker Mike Kogan.
Mousasi’s claims against Bellator aren’t just limited to breach of contract. They also include allegations like breach of good faith, unjust enrichment, and even monopsonization.
The 81-page document details Mousasi’s contractual journey with Bellator. He initially signed in 2017, extended in 2020, and saw amendments in 2023.
Under the agreement, Mousasi was guaranteed $150,000 for his first four fights. Afterward, his purse would increase to $200,000 per bout.
But wait—there’s more! A finish bonus of $50,000 was promised for knockouts or submissions. Plus a promotional fee of $600,000 per such bout. Essentially, post-fourth fight, he could earn up to $850,000 per bout.
However, things took a turn when activity stalled after those initial bouts. Mousasi even fought Fabian Edwards while injured out of fear of being sidelined indefinitely.
His situation worsened post-Bellator’s sale to PFL in November 2023. Communication breakdowns left him frustrated and inactive—a sentiment he shared with MMA Fighting back in April.
“The problem is we cannot get ahold of them,” Mousasi lamented then. “They refuse to answer us back…People think I’m retired actually.”
Conversations with Mike Kogan revealed financial concerns: “Well, you make too much money,” Kogan had suggested. Yet no follow-up ensued.
Months dragged on with back-and-forth negotiations between Mousasi’s manager and PFL execs. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the fighter remained benched.
In May came the announcement—Mousasi was released from his contract after threatening legal action. Now he’s proceeding with the lawsuit.
He’s alleging anti-competitive conduct and misclassification as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Mousasi seeks at least $15 million in damages plus punitive costs and attorney fees.