Gegard Mousasi’s Manager Says Immigration Ban Won’t Jeopardize UFC 210 Bout

Gegard Mousasi and his manager Nima Safapour addressed concerns that Mousasi’s bout with Chris Weidman at UFC 210 may be in jeopardy due to Donald Trump’s immigration ban. The ban, which affects seven Muslim-majority contries including Mousasi’s country of origin in Iran, caused some speculation that Mousasi may not be able to fight on the Buffalo, New York card which takes place on April 8th.

When asked about it, Safapour told MMAjunkie, “We expect to meet Weidman in Buffalo.”

Mousasi didn’t seem so sure earlier in the day. Speaking with MMA DNA, he said, “The rule is, even if you’re born in Iran, you’re a threat. So I don’t know.” Mousasi has a P-1 VISA granted to athletes from other countries.

A UFC official told MMAjunkie that the company is working on ways to ensure the fight will take place, saying, “There are numerous variables including a judicial injunction. We are monitoring and will be affirmatively engaged to ensure that our fighters and employees are able to go where they need to compete and do their jobs.”