Career Averages - Eryk Anders
Career Averages - Gerald Meerschaert
Eryk Anders - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 1 | 48 of 86 | 55% | 55 of 95 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 35 of 84 | 41% | 68 of 133 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 9:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 20 of 41 | 48% | 33 of 56 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:10 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 1 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 21 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 11 of 31 | 35% | 22 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:25 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 16 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 13 of 25 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 | 0 | 3:45 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 48 of 86 | 55% | 29 of 64 | 17 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 31 of 59 | 14 of 21 | 3 of 6 |
| Eryk Anders | 35 of 84 | 41% | 26 of 69 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 47 | 19 of 36 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 18 of 35 | 51% | 7 of 23 | 10 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 18 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 20 of 41 | 48% | 17 of 34 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 14 | 16 of 27 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 18 of 31 | 58% | 11 of 22 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 21 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 6 |
| Eryk Anders | 11 of 31 | 35% | 6 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 21 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 12 of 20 | 60% | 11 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 4 of 12 | 33% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Brad Tavares but with very low confidence, calling it too close to bet. He notes both fighters have declining chins and the fight could be a quick knockout or a sloppy decision. He thinks Tavares is more well-rounded and faster, but Eryk Anders could bull his way forward. He ultimately goes with Tavares due to technical edge.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Eryk Anders by split decision, calling it a '1-800 Gambler fight.' He thinks both fighters are washed but gives Anders the edge due to slightly harder punching and ability to control against the cage. He predicts a low-quality fight and even considered predicting a draw.
Cody picks Tavares, citing his experience, takedown defense, and ability to outpoint Anders. He notes Anders' declining durability and retirement announcement. He expects a close decision but Tavares edges it.
Connor does not make a clear pick for this fight, calling it a toss-up and meaningless. He criticizes both fighters as old and irrelevant, suggesting the fight should not be happening in the UFC. He does not express a preference.
James picks Eryk Anders as an underdog, citing his grappling advantage and power. He notes that both fighters have fading durability and that Anders is more explosive. He calls the fight volatile and says no result would shock him.
The host picks Tavares to win by decision, citing his superior striking and takedown defense. He believes Anders will struggle to land a knockout and that Tavares's combinations and effective damage will win rounds. He notes that both fighters are aging but Tavares is the better striker and should outwork Anders over 15 minutes.
Paul has no clear pick, expressing uncertainty about both fighters. He notes Tavares' recent losses and Anders' inconsistency. He doesn't want to bet either side.
The Guru picks Brad Tavares, emphasizing his low kicks as the key difference. He notes Anders has a wide stance and has struggled with low kicks before, and that Tavares has fought higher-level competition. He predicts a decision win, 30-27, as he doesn't see Anders finishing Tavares early.
Zane picks Brad Tavares, noting that Tavares looked decent in his fight against GM3 but struggled against Robert Brishik, who pushed a pace. He believes Anders is also slow and throws single strikes, giving Tavares enough space to look like his old self. However, he acknowledges Tavares tends to lose a round due to passivity.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 18 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 27 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 7 of 12 | 58% | 2 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | 24 of 43 | 55% | 9 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 13 | 20 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
Angelo picks Christian Leroy Duncan despite questioning his fight IQ. He notes Duncan is the better striker with solid takedown defense and cardio, but he can be an idiot with game plans. If Duncan decides to wrestle, Anders could bully him. However, Anders' chin is declining, so Duncan should win if he strikes.
Big Brady is confident in Christian Leroy Duncan, though he notes Duncan sometimes lacks effort. He points out that Anders has been knocked down in his last three fights by lesser strikers like Jamie Pickett and Chris Weidman, indicating a decline. Brady believes if Duncan cares even a little, he will knock out Anders early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Duncan.
Connor picks Duncan, noting that Anders is limited as a strategist and technician, and that Duncan's dynamic striking and range management will be too much. He points out that Anders has only beaten low-level opponents in recent years and is slow-footed, while Duncan is dangerous and annoying to fight. Connor expects Duncan to win and move toward a top 15 matchup.
The host believes Duncan's speed and power will be too much for Anders, who is slowing down and was hurt badly by Weidman in his last fight. He thinks it's just a matter of time before Duncan lands a clean shot and puts Anders down and out.
The MMA Guru picks Christian Leroy Duncan, calling it a potential schooling. He notes Anders' recent wins are over old fighters and that Anders has become too technical. He expects Duncan to piece up Anders and win a dominant decision, possibly with a 10-8 round.
Zane agrees, calling Duncan a meme fighter with flashy skills but noting that Anders is a limited opponent who has struggled against similar fighters. He highlights that Anders has only beaten Kyle Daukaus, Jamie Pickett, and an aged Chris Weidman in recent years, while Duncan's athleticism and tricky style will cause problems. Zane thinks Duncan will win and eventually get exposed against top competition.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 1 | 16 of 36 | 44% | 27 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:15 |
| Chris Weidman | 0 | 62 of 102 | 60% | 121 of 193 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:24 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 1 | 13 of 26 | 50% | 20 of 36 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:10 |
| Chris Weidman | 0 | 11 of 23 | 47% | 12 of 29 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Chris Weidman | 0 | 51 of 79 | 64% | 109 of 164 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:43 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 16 of 36 | 44% | 11 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 23 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 11 |
| Chris Weidman | 62 of 102 | 60% | 56 of 96 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 25 | 7 of 12 | 48 of 65 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 13 of 26 | 50% | 8 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 11 |
| Chris Weidman | 11 of 23 | 47% | 8 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 7 of 12 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Chris Weidman | 51 of 79 | 64% | 48 of 76 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 47 of 64 |
Angelo flips his pick from Chris Weidman to Eryk Anders. He cites Weidman's age (40), potential frustration from not getting paid after the canceled fight, and the loss of the Madison Square Garden atmosphere. He believes Anders' physicality, power, and aggression will overwhelm Weidman, who has a questionable chin. Angelo acknowledges the fight is at 195 lbs, which may favor Anders.
Cody picks Weidman, citing his wrestling advantage and experience. He notes Anders' inconsistency and recent losses. He expects a close decision win for Weidman, possibly by outworking Anders.
Connor is very confident in Anders, stating he will never pick Chris Weidman to win again. He notes that Weidman is washed and that his recent win over Bruno Silva was against a shot fighter. Connor points out that Anders has been slowly improving technically over the years, while Weidman has not shown any improvement and is only getting older. He believes Anders' athleticism and steady development will be too much for Weidman.
Daniel picks Weidman, noting Anders' tendency to choke in big fights and his recent knockdowns. He expects a clinch-heavy fight and believes Weidman's grappling will be the difference. He mentions he previously bet Weidman at better odds.
This is a tough matchup to predict given both fighters are further along in their careers. However, Weidman showed impressive activity and comfort in the striking realm against Bruno Silva earlier this year. He will utilize that to mix in his clinch grappling and striking to win on the scorecards.
Paul picks Weidman, noting his superior wrestling and fight IQ. He criticizes Anders' cardio and durability, and thinks Weidman can grind out a decision. He acknowledges Weidman's age but believes he has enough left.
The MMA Guru picks Weidman, noting the fight is at a catchweight which benefits the older Weidman. He thinks Weidman's wrestling and game plan will be too much for Anders, who he considers a B-level middleweight. He predicts Weidman out-wrestles Anders and wins by decision 30-27.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Anders confidently. He notes that Weidman is completely washed and that Anders has been getting better year after year, albeit slowly. Zane points out that Weidman's only recent win was against a similarly shot Bruno Silva, and that his other recent fights have been close against aging opponents. He believes Anders' athleticism and improved technique will be enough to beat Weidman.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 23 of 59 | 38% | 83 of 147 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 0 | 0 | 10:08 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 | 20 of 55 | 36% | 26 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 7 of 19 | 36% | 20 of 32 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:42 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 33 of 59 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:57 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 11 of 24 | 45% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 6 of 17 | 35% | 30 of 56 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:29 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 1 of 12 | 8% | 3 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 23 of 59 | 38% | 14 of 48 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 38 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 12 |
| Jamie Pickett | 20 of 55 | 36% | 11 of 45 | 8 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 46 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 7 of 19 | 36% | 2 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 8 of 19 | 42% | 3 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 10 of 23 | 43% | 6 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 16 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 |
| Jamie Pickett | 11 of 24 | 45% | 8 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 19 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Eryk Anders | 6 of 17 | 35% | 6 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 11 |
| Jamie Pickett | 1 of 12 | 8% | 0 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Eryk Anders, citing his athleticism, durability, and ability to bully his way to a win. He notes Anders is a large favorite at -330, which is too wide for him, but he expects Anders to win. He suggests there might be value on inside the distance props.
Big Brady picks Anders, calling it a cage-pushing fight. He notes Anders has higher volume, more power, and is physically stronger. He expects Anders to push Pickett against the cage and take him down, similar to his 24-takedown-attempt fight. He predicts a greasy decision win for Anders.
Cody picks Anders, calling him a gatekeeper who beats lower-level opponents like Pickett. He notes Pickett's terrible output and lack of finishing ability, and that Anders has been competitive with better fighters. Cody believes Anders will win but calls it a bad bet at minus-500, though he admits he'll include Anders in parlays as a degenerate.
Anders should be able to force the action, push Pickett against the cage, and land takedowns. However, Anders is 36 and slowing down, and -400 is not a number to trust with him. The fight is expected to be closely competitive and go to the scorecards, with Anders likely getting his hand raised. The host prefers the over or fight goes to decision.
Paul picks Anders but is hesitant due to the minus-500 price. He notes Anders has been inconsistent but has faced better competition and has shown improved cardio and output recently. He thinks Pickett is on a losing streak and lacks volume or power. Paul expects Anders to win but acknowledges the price is steep and that Pickett could make it close.
The MMA Guru initially considered Pickett but decided Anders is the pick. He notes Anders was close with Marc-André Barriault and had a scrap, while Pickett is on a four-fight losing streak and has no impressive wins. He calls Pickett 'awful' and says his wins are unimpressive.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc-André Barriault | 1 | 95 of 192 | 49% | 103 of 200 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 83 of 169 | 49% | 87 of 173 | 1 of 11 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 3:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marc-André Barriault | 1 | 30 of 49 | 61% | 37 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 37 of 62 | 59% | 38 of 63 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:40 | |
| 2 | Marc-André Barriault | 0 | 24 of 61 | 39% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 24 of 51 | 47% | 24 of 51 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 3 | Marc-André Barriault | 0 | 41 of 82 | 50% | 42 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 22 of 56 | 39% | 25 of 59 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc-André Barriault | 95 of 192 | 49% | 62 of 148 | 32 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 67 of 154 | 26 of 35 | 2 of 3 |
| Eryk Anders | 83 of 169 | 49% | 42 of 122 | 39 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 41 of 115 | 42 of 52 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marc-André Barriault | 30 of 49 | 61% | 23 of 41 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 25 | 18 of 21 | 2 of 3 |
| Eryk Anders | 37 of 62 | 59% | 18 of 42 | 19 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 25 | 27 of 35 | 0 of 2 | |
| 2 | Marc-André Barriault | 24 of 61 | 39% | 11 of 44 | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 54 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 24 of 51 | 47% | 12 of 36 | 10 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 41 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Marc-André Barriault | 41 of 82 | 50% | 28 of 63 | 12 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 37 of 75 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 22 of 56 | 39% | 12 of 44 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 49 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault to win, but plans to bet on Eryk Anders by inside the distance. He explains that Barriault is more well-rounded and technical, but Anders is more dangerous and powerful. He expects Anders to either finish Barriault or lose a decision, so he will bet on Anders inside the distance (no action if decision).
Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault by decision. He notes that Barriault is high volume (6 significant strikes per minute) while Anders is low volume and will likely try to wrestle, but his takedown attempts are inefficient and will tire him. Barriault should win the striking exchanges and take over as the fight goes on, winning the second and third rounds.
Cody picks Barriault, expecting a close competitive fight that will likely go to a decision. He notes that Anders relies heavily on clinch work, but Barriault thrives in the clinch and has better cardio. He thinks Anders will slow down in the third round, allowing Barriault to pull ahead. He also mentions that Canadian judging may favor Barriault in a close fight.
Connor picks Anders, citing his recent technical improvement and physical advantages. He notes that Anders has learned to put combinations together and use his jab effectively. He believes Anders' strength and wrestling will be too much for Barriault, who is not a power puncher. He acknowledges Barriault's improvement but thinks Anders' ceiling is higher.
Daniel Levi picks Eryk Anders in a coin-flip fight, noting that Anders looked good against Dacus and has better defense, while Barriault has more volume but is slower. He is unsure about Canadian judges and the fact that Anders is no longer at Fight Ready, which could affect his conditioning. He sees this as a close fight that could go either way, so he takes the dog, but warns against making Anders a heavy play.
James has no strong opinion on this fight. He sees both fighters as similar and expects a close fight if it goes to decision. He notes it could finish inside the distance due to pace, but he is leaning towards the fight going over. He passes on betting because he doesn't like betting on fights he expects to be very close unless there is a big number.
Barriault's cardio and forward pressure are his key weapons; he wears opponents down with volume and durability. Anders relies on physical advantages but has shown limited technical improvements. Barriault should outwork Anders, especially in later rounds, and could even secure a late finish. Anders' only path is an early KO, but Barriault's durability is underrated.
Paul picks Barriault, citing volume as the key factor. He notes that Anders will need to make it ugly with takedowns, but he is not confident in Anders' wrestling to hold Barriault down. He expects Barriault to outwork Anders over three rounds, similar to the Daukaus fight. He also likes the over on Barriault's significant strikes.
The MMA Guru picks Marc-André Barriault, criticizing Eryk Anders for being stiff and having a history of injuries and beatings. He notes Barriault is fluid and coming off a great performance, and that Anders must finish early or he fades. He expects Barriault to pick up the pace and win by decision or late finish in front of his Canadian home crowd.
Zane picks Anders, emphasizing his physicality and improved striking. He notes that Anders' strength makes him difficult to take down and that he has become more fluid. He believes Barriault's volume will not be enough to overcome Anders' power and wrestling. He also mentions that Barriault is not a power puncher.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 1 | 49 of 94 | 52% | 97 of 159 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 37 of 79 | 46% | 38 of 83 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 1 | 29 of 62 | 46% | 36 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 33 of 63 | 52% | 33 of 63 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 0 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 61 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 0 | 4 of 16 | 25% | 5 of 20 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryk Anders | 49 of 94 | 52% | 27 of 70 | 14 of 14 | 8 of 10 | 23 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 20 of 31 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 37 of 79 | 46% | 14 of 55 | 8 of 9 | 15 of 15 | 35 of 76 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eryk Anders | 29 of 62 | 46% | 12 of 43 | 9 of 9 | 8 of 10 | 20 of 46 | 5 of 7 | 4 of 9 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 33 of 63 | 52% | 13 of 43 | 8 of 8 | 12 of 12 | 31 of 61 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Eryk Anders | 20 of 32 | 62% | 15 of 27 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 22 |
| Kyle Daukaus | 4 of 16 | 25% | 1 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-215), Anders (+185)
Round 1
Middleweights open up the main card in a fight that will get one man back up to .500 inside the Octagon. Whether that is former light heavyweight Anders (14-7, 1 NC; 6-7, 1 NC UFC) or submission specialist Daukaus (11-3, 1 NC; 2-3, 1 NC UFC), that remains to be seen. They bump fists in front of referee Keith Peterson, who clocks them in right after ejecting nonsense from the Amway Center. Anders strikes first with a body kick, and Daukaus strides forward with two punches and two low kicks in response. Anders stutter-steps his way forward, and Daukaus intercepts him with a few punches and makes Anders turn around. As they trade leather, commentators Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier talk about popular television shows. Daukaus gets off a knee to the body, and he shoots in for a double but is stuffed by the brick wall former football player. Daukaus sticks out a jab, and when he kicks the body, Anders lifts him up and throws him to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Anders lords over his grounded opponent with several slapping low kicks, and Daukaus considers a leglock before Anders hops away. Daukaus allows his opponent to adjust his shorts, and they touch ‘em up before re-engaging. Daukaus feints and gets kicked, and he wings a left hand over the top that slams into the side of Anders’ head. Anders backs his man up and punches the body, prompting Daukaus to spring into action. The Philadelphia native leaps forward, and after landing a few, Anders clips him with a right hand and sends Daukaus tumbling to the mat. Anders considers kicking the legs a few times before letting Daukaus back up, and Daukaus takes a few deep breaths when coming back to his feet. Anders is swinging heavily, and Daukaus does not shy away from these exchanges as he similarly slugs back. Daukaus scores thudding hooks on the side of Anders’ head, but Anders is tough and throws back with a ferocious uppercut that snaps the head back. Anders reddens the nose with a one-two, and he continues to push the pace as he works the body and head. The fighters rush together, and the crown of Anders’ head slams square into Daukaus’ face and drops him to his knees. Peterson sees it and immediately calls it, and he informs the outside officials that it was an accidental clash of heads. Daukaus takes the time he needs and gets right back to it, but Anders is on him and belts him with a few punches with a left hand that send Daukaus straight back to the floor. As Daukaus attempts to scramble and look for some kind of late submission, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Round 2
Anders senses that Daukaus may not be fully recovered, and he immediately pushes the pace to start Round 2 with a vengeance. A few heavy strikes prompt “The D’Arce Knight” to shoot for a takedown, and he chains singles into doubles as Anders gets away with a fence grab. Anders slugs Daukaus on the side of the head, and these punches may be hurting Daukaus, as he lets go and flops to his back. Anders kicks the legs a few times, and this time, he lowers himself to the ground to drop a few hammerfists. Anders lands several standing-to-ground punches in rapid succession, and Daukaus kicks him back. Peterson lets Daukaus stand back up, and
Anders coils his fist and cracks Daukaus in the face with a brutal left hand. Daukaus awkwardly slumps to his knees and half-heartedly pursues a low single takedown, only to get shoved to his back, as Anders beats him down with right hand after merciless right hand. The hammerfists and punches continue to get through while Daukaus is shelled up, and Peterson has no choice but to call it on account of rain.
The knockout victory for Anders is his first finish in almost three and a half years, while he also snaps a two-fight skid in the process.
The Official Result
Eryk Anders def. Kyle Daukaus R2 2:45 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Eryk Anders as a solid underdog, expecting him to bully Kyle Daukaus with better wrestling and power. He criticizes Daukaus's chin and mediocre striking, calling him a 'jiu jitsu nerd' who can snatch submissions but lacks wrestling control. He believes Anders will avoid submissions and take Daukaus's head off with strikes.
Big Brady picks the underdog Anders, citing his takedown defense (75%) and power advantage on the feet. He notes Daukaus is hittable (40% striking defense) and not a great wrestler. He expects Anders to keep the fight standing and win a close decision, though he acknowledges it could go either way.
Cody provides a detailed breakdown of Anders' career, calling him untrustworthy. He thinks Daukaus will land combinations and has a grappling advantage. He expects a boring decision win for Daukaus.
Daniel Levi leans Daukaus to slightly out-hustle Anders, but he has concerns about Daukaus not putting a stamp on fights and Anders' physicality. He notes Anders' lack of activity and tendency to not pull the trigger. He picks Daukaus but is not confident.
The host leans towards Daukaus but is not confident enough to bet the minus 200 line. He thinks Daukaus may have a slight striking advantage and could win by decision, but he is concerned about Anders' strength and grappling. He prefers the over 2.5 rounds as a bet, expecting a clinch-heavy fight that goes to decision.
Paul picks Daukaus, noting Anders' inconsistency and poor performances. He thinks Daukaus has a grappling edge and will land more strikes. He is cautious about betting but expects Daukaus to win cleanly.
The MMA Guru picks Kyle Daukaus, believing Eryk Anders has lost his touch. He notes Anders looked bad against Jun Yong Park and Darren Stewart, while Daukaus has more potential and looked good against Jamie Pickett. He predicts Daukaus will win a decision with grappling and submission attempts.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 65 of 142 | 45% | 75 of 155 | 3 of 24 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 4:45 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 105 of 184 | 57% | 108 of 187 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 22 of 37 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 26 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 20 of 44 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 33 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:24 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 0 | 33 of 74 | 44% | 33 of 74 | 0 of 12 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 49 of 96 | 51% | 49 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 65 of 142 | 45% | 45 of 112 | 17 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 56 of 131 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 105 of 184 | 57% | 74 of 152 | 16 of 17 | 15 of 15 | 85 of 161 | 20 of 23 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 16 of 30 | 53% | 12 of 22 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 24 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 25 of 36 | 69% | 11 of 21 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 27 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 16 of 38 | 42% | 9 of 29 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 31 of 52 | 59% | 21 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 9 | 27 of 46 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 33 of 74 | 44% | 24 of 61 | 7 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 74 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 49 of 96 | 51% | 42 of 89 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 42 of 88 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Eryk Anders because he believes Anders's toughness, power, and wrestling will be the difference. He notes that Park is the better overall fighter but lacks danger in his striking or submissions. Park relies on trips and pressure for takedowns, which Angelo doesn't think will work against Anders. He also suggests a plus 3.5 round bet on Anders.
Big Brady picks JunYong Park to win by decision, favoring his higher volume and striking defense over Eryk Anders. He notes Anders is a low-volume, one-shot-at-a-time striker with poor striking defense. He expects Park to outland Anders on the feet and win rounds. He acknowledges Anders could have success with takedowns but doubts he can hold Park down.
Cody picks Park, citing his better pace, ground game, and consistency. He criticizes Anders for low volume, lack of urgency, and getting outstruck in many fights. He believes Park will come forward, outland Anders, and grind out a decision. He is confident in the moneyline.
The host is uncertain about this fight. He notes that it could be volatile and come down to who is stronger, with Anders being the stronger fighter. He finds the Park line too wide but does not have the courage to bet Anders at plus money. He passes on betting the moneyline and instead considers the over 2.5 rounds, which he thinks is around -160.
Paul agrees with Cody, saying Park is the logical pick. He notes Anders' inconsistency and low volume, and that Park should be able to outwork him. He is with Cody on this one.
The MMA Guru picks JunYong Park, citing his superior cardio, leg kicks, and combination striking. He thinks Eryk Anders is a simple fighter and may have less power after trimming down. He believes Park's grappling defense and pace will be too much, predicting a 29-28 decision with Park taking the last two rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Muniz | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 12 of 20 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 3 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Muniz | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 12 of 20 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 3 of 13 | 23% | 3 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Muniz | 8 of 16 | 50% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Eryk Anders | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 of 8 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Muniz | 8 of 16 | 50% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 |
| Eryk Anders | 3 of 13 | 23% | 0 of 8 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Eryk Anders as an underdog, but with low confidence. He notes that Muniz is a phenomenal grappler with a wizard-like BJJ, but his striking is poor and he has been knocked out in all four losses. Anders has good takedown defense (76%) and power, and if he can stuff takedowns and extend the fight, he can finish Muniz by knockout. However, if the fight hits the mat, Muniz is extremely dangerous. Brady is concerned about Muniz's cardio and Anders' fight IQ.
Daniel Levi picks Eryk Anders to upset André Muniz. He argues that Muniz will have difficulty taking Anders down due to Anders' size and strength, and that Anders' jiu-jitsu is good enough to survive on the mat. Levi notes that Anders has never been submitted and rarely taken down. On the feet, he believes Anders throws more and has knockout power. Levi acknowledges Muniz's elite jiu-jitsu but thinks Anders can sprawl-and-brawl to a decision or KO.
The MMA Guru picks André Muniz to win by first-round submission (rear-naked choke). He highlights Muniz's dangerous grappling, as seen in his armbar win over Jacaré. He notes Anders is taking the fight on short notice and has been taken down before. He suggests a live bet on Anders if the fight goes to the third round, as Muniz has slowed down in the past.
Gerald Meerschaert - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 36 of 82 | 43% | 54 of 103 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 32 of 76 | 42% | 53 of 100 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 3 | 2 | 4:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 11 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 3:56 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 30 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 13 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 12 of 39 | 30% | 20 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Malkoun | 36 of 82 | 43% | 30 of 74 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 36 of 81 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 32 of 76 | 42% | 23 of 66 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Malkoun | 6 of 12 | 50% | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 4 of 5 | 80% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Jacob Malkoun | 18 of 42 | 42% | 16 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 16 of 32 | 50% | 11 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jacob Malkoun | 12 of 28 | 42% | 9 of 23 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 12 of 39 | 30% | 9 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Malkoun (9-3; 5-3 UFC) enters the cage as a massive favorite against the reeling and overweight Meerschaert (37-21; 12-13 UFC), with Mike Beltran drwaing his first ref assignment of the evening. Malkoun is orthodox, Meerschaert southpaw, and it’s Malkoun connecting first with a solid right hand that backs the American off. Malkoun is the much faster man on the feet in the early going. Malkoun, bizarrely, changes levels for a takedown attempt against the fence and Meerschaert counters with his trademark guillotine. Malkoun is in real danger for a moment, but manages to extricate his neck. Meerschaert is in top position, in Malkoun’s half guard, looking perhaps to try for another guillotine. Half the round is down, and Meerschaert is still on top, in control. Malkoun manages to stick him back into full guard, but Meerschaert passes to half guard again near the base of the fence. Beltran is talking to them, presumably telling them to keep working, but it’s far from a static position, as they are moving and exchanging short shots. Meerschaert postures up and drops an elbow to the face. Meerschaert wraps up a guillotine from top position but can’t make a serious attempt out of it before the horn. 10-9 Meerschaert.
Round 2
They go back to work on the feet and once again, Malkoun’s edge in speed and accuracy is stark. Malkoun bounces into range against the taller man, pops him with a two or three-punch combo, then exits untouched, several times in a row. Meerschaert appears to be looking for the right moment to shoot for a takedown, but through 90 seconds he has not made a serious attempt. Malkoun backs him up to the fence and belts him with a right to the body. Meerschaert lands a glancing head kick, and Malkoun tags him with two punches. They collide in the pocket and Meeerschaert pulls guard. He controls Malkoun’s posture with a shoulder lock, but Malkoun pulls his right arm out of danger, sets up in Meerschaert’s half guard and throws a flurry of ground strikes. With under a minute to go, Malkoun throws a final series of punches and stands up out of his foe’s guard. Beltran motions Meerschaert to stand, and Malkoun quickly tags him with another series of punches. The round ends. 10-9 Malkoun.
Round 3
It’s anyone’s fight—on our scorecard, at least—as these two go back to work for Round 3. Malkoun stalks forward, sticking out his left jab, backing Meerschaert off. Malkoun is getting much the better of the orthodox vs. southpaw hand fight. A minute in, neither man has really committed to a power strike on the feet, but Malkoun has been the more active, more accurate man. Malkoun steps into the pocket and lands a clean three-piece combination that makes Meerschaert blink and back off. Malkoun hits him with a lead left. He is landing nearly at will, but not forcing the issue at all despite his clear superiority on the feet. Malkoun steps into the pocket and Meerschaert falls to guard in the ensuing collision. Malkoun follows him down, settles into his guard, but lets him back up a moment later. They return to the center of the cage and exchange strikes. Meerschaert is the aggressor, stalking forward and throwing single strikes. They collide and Meerschaert throws on a guillotine choke, shoving Malkoun to the canvas and trying for the last-second finish. It’s pretty obvious he won’t get it, but the round ends with the American on top and in control. The horn sounds on a strange, frankly lousy fight. 10-9 Malkoun (29-28 Malkoun).
The Official Result
Jacob Malkoun def. Gerald Meerschaert via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is extremely confident in Jacob Malkoun, calling Gerald Meerschaert washed and stating he has no chance. He criticizes Meerschaert's poor takedown defense and chin, and believes Malkoun's wrestling will dominate. He even threatens to ban anyone who picks Meerschaert by submission.
Cody picks Malkoun by TKO, noting Meerschaert's recent knockout losses and Malkoun's improved striking. He believes Malkoun will finish him early, possibly in the first round.
Connor agrees with Zane, calling Malkoun a smart technician who uses his jab and single-leg effectively. He notes that Meerschaert is a slow, aging fighter who relied on opponents being bad, and now faces a composed fighter who won't make those mistakes. He sees it as a clear win for Malkoun.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jacob Malkoun to knock out Gerald Meerschaert in the first round. He believes Malkoun's high pace and power will overwhelm Meerschaert, who he thinks is past his prime and likely to cover up when hit.
Malkoun is a massive favorite with an implied probability of 92%, but the odds offer no value. He is a solid MMA grappler with better wrestling, striking, cardio, and home advantage. Meerschaert is old, missed weight, and only has a Hail Mary submission path. The over 1.5 rounds at 1.64 is interesting because Malkoun is a decision eater and Meerschaert is tough, but not super confident due to Meerschaert's decline.
Lucrative James picks Jacob Malkoun to win via TKO. He believes Malkoun is a much better fighter and that Meerschaert is washed up. He notes Malkoun's wrestling and improved striking should be enough to finish Meerschaert, though he is not super confident on the method.
The host expects Malkoun to run through Meerschaert, citing Malkoun's superior BJJ, youth, and striking. He thinks Malkoun will get a TKO or submission inside the distance, as Meerschaert is on a four-fight losing streak and his durability is fading. The host does not like betting minus 1000 but expects a finish.
Paul picks Malkoun, citing his improved boxing and wrestling. He believes Malkoun will knock out Meerschaert, who has been knocked out repeatedly in the first round.
The MMA Guru picks Jacob Malkoun, noting he is a -1100 favorite but thinks the odds are too high. He praises Malkoun's skills and recent performances, while criticizing Gerald Meerschaert's recent losses and age. He acknowledges Meerschaert's submission threat but believes Malkoun is too good.
Zane picks Malkoun confidently, stating that Meerschaert is done—slow, old, and has been finished in three of his last four fights. He notes that Malkoun is a smart, strategic fighter with a good jab and single-leg takedown, which will be too much for Meerschaert's limited skills. He calls it a gentle send-off for Meerschaert.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 1 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 1 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Daukaus | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Daukaus | 8 of 11 | 72% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-375), Meerschaert (+295)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Daukaus immediately tags Meerschaert with a straight left. Daukaus wades in with a straight left hand that rocks Meerschaert, who is already in retreat mode. Meerschaert falls to the floor after absorbing another shot. Daukaus follows him down and tees off with hammerfists before locking in a brabo choke.
Daukaus powers Meerschaert to his back and applies the squeeze, and it’s only a matter of moments before the veteran middleweight is forced to tap out.
Daukaus now has back-to-back first round finishes since returning to the UFC.
The Official Result
Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via Submission (Brabo Choke) R1 0:50
Angelo picks Kyle Daukaus, noting that Gerald Meerschaert has poor takedown accuracy and hasn't taken anyone down in three fights. Daukaus is a good grappler with length and solid takedown defense. Angelo is confident but questions the -325 odds, suggesting Daukaus' last win was against a distracted opponent.
Big Brady picks Kyle Daukaus, noting his improved striking and power since being cut from the UFC. He criticizes Gerald Meerschaert's chin as 'dust' and his recent poor performances, including gassing out badly. Brady believes Daukaus is the better grappler and striker at this point and predicts a first-round knockout, referencing Daukaus's own claim that he will knock out Meerschaert.
Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Meerschaert is on a losing streak and has been knocked out multiple times. He points out that Daukaus is bigger and has better striking. Cody thinks Daukaus will finish the fight inside the distance, possibly by TKO in the first round. He is confident in the pick.
Connor also picks Daukaus, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Meerschaert has lost a step and that Daukaus showed aggression and certainty in his last fight. However, he warns that Daukaus might get overly ambitious and get submitted, but overall trusts Daukaus to win.
Daniel believes Daukaus is on a resurgence with newfound confidence and power, as shown in his knockout of Michelle Pereira. He expects Daukaus to feast on an aging Meerschaert, who has been finished in recent fights. He predicts a first-round knockout for Daukaus.
Lucrative James picks Kyle Daukaus to win, stating that Gerald Meerschaert is washed and Daukaus has better striking and grappling. He notes Daukaus' resurgence after a first-round KO in his return fight, and believes his takedown defense and top control will neutralize Meerschaert's submission threats. He predicts a finish or clear decision for Daukaus.
Daukaus is a better and younger version of Meerschaert. He can win whichever way he chooses, whether by knockout or submission. He wins inside the distance.
Paul picks Daukaus, citing his size, striking, and submission defense. He notes that Meerschaert has poor durability and has been knocked out frequently. Paul believes Daukaus will win by TKO, possibly in the first round. He also mentions that Daukaus has looked good on the regional scene and is a big middleweight.
The Guru picks Kyle Daukaus to win by TKO in round two. He notes that Gerald Meerschaert is on a three-fight losing streak and aging, while Daukaus is coming into his prime with improved striking and grappling. Daukaus' clinch work and power should be too much for Meerschaert, who may no longer have the craftiness to pull off a submission.
Zane picks Daukaus confidently, noting that Meerschaert has lost a step and never had much physical edge. He thinks Daukaus has surprisingly fast hands and is too willing to grapple, but that he can be fast and slick. He believes Daukaus might be starting a veteran run and that Meerschaert is past his prime.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 3 of 16 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michał Oleksiejczuk | 1 | 23 of 51 | 45% | 23 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 3 of 16 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michał Oleksiejczuk | 1 | 23 of 51 | 45% | 23 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 3 of 16 | 18% | 2 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Oleksiejczuk | 23 of 51 | 45% | 18 of 46 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 20 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 3 of 16 | 18% | 2 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michał Oleksiejczuk | 23 of 51 | 45% | 18 of 46 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 20 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-218), Meerschaert (+180)
Round 1
In the battle of surnames that would likely win against any other pair on Scrabble tonight, it should not last terribly long. In the combined 57 pro victories for Meerschaert (37-19, 12-11 UFC) and Oleksiejczuk (20-9, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC), they have needed the judges on six of those occasions. Referee Herb Dean—who gets a bigger pop from the crowd than either athlete—will almost certainly be needed, while the scorers might be able to take this one off. Before throwing down, the violent middleweights bump fists.
The marvelously mustached Meerschaert moves to the center of the cage, and he leans back as a huge left hand buzzes past him. Oleksiejczuk looks for another power punch, and Meerschaert is out of range pitching a low kick at him. Meerschaert ducks under a few punches to go after a single, and the former light heavyweight pops him in the chops on the way out. When “GM3” tries for another takedown, the Polish athlete shuts him down and forces him to stand back up. Oleksiejczuk ignores a leg kick that misses him to clip his foe with a left hand, but it is one-and-done. Oleksiejczuk measures his man with an uppercut, and he avoids counters and is ready to stuff a takedown before it comes to light. Oleksiejczuk narrowly avoids a left hook, and he laughs off a failed shot from the submission specialist. Meerschaert gets off a left hand, and Oleksiejczuk answers him with two big punches that shake him to his core. A third uppercut dings him on the jaw when he goes for a takedown, and “step into my parlor” says the spider to the fly.
Meerschaert does not get Oleksiejczuk to oblige him in playing in the guard, instead backing off to make “GM3” strike with him.
Knowing that Meerschaert is in trouble, Oleksiejczuk jacks his foe in the jaw with three punches that send Meerschaert down to the floor again. With Dean watching in closely, Oleksiejczuk unleashes a bombardment of wide-arcing hammerfists to punish “GM3” for ever considering grappling with him. As the punches continue, with no sign of slowing down, Dean has no choice but to get involved and halts the match.
That marks one more dominant win for a Fighting Nerds competitor, and Oleksiejczuk dons the trademark glasses while also handing commentator Joe Rogan a pair as well.
The Official Result
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert R1 3:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo notes Oleksiejczuk is a pure striker with power and fast hands, while Meerschaert is a grappler with questionable chin and takedown accuracy. He thinks it's easier for Oleksiejczuk to stay on the feet and land strikes than for Meerschaert to get the fight to the ground. He leans Oleksiejczuk but says he should not be a -225 favorite in such a tricky matchup.
Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by first-round knockout. He notes Oleksiejczuk is a phenomenal striker with bodywork, volume, and power, while Meerschaert is at a massive striking disadvantage. However, he acknowledges the grappling danger: Meerschaert has 30 submission wins and Oleksiejczuk has been submitted six times. He thinks Oleksiejczuk can keep the fight standing and knock out Meerschaert, especially if he has improved his takedown defense. He mentions Oleksiejczuk's ability to get back up when taken down.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Meerschaert. He notes that Oleksiejczuk has a history of getting submitted when he has a little success and then panics. He also points out that Meerschaert's recent losses were to tough opponents (de Ridder, Tavares) and that Oleksiejczuk's game is thin. He expects Meerschaert to capitalize on Oleksiejczuk's mistakes.
The host believes Oleksiejczuk's improvements from training with the fighting nerds will carry over, though it may result in a more measured approach. He expects Oleksiejczuk to wear Meerschaert down with striking and secure a finish in the third round.
The Guru picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by TKO in the first or second round. He believes Oleksiejczuk has improved since joining the Fighting Nerds and has nasty ground and pound and power. The Guru notes that Meerschaert is on borrowed time and doesn't move his head well, making him vulnerable. He also mentions that Oleksiejczuk has good grappling defense and reversals, so he won't be a fish out of water on the ground.
Zane picks Meerschaert, reasoning that Oleksiejczuk is prone to getting submitted due to his hyper-aggressive style and poor defensive wrestling. He notes that Oleksiejczuk will likely shoot takedowns himself or fall into submissions, and Meerschaert is a dangerous grappler. He acknowledges the risk that Oleksiejczuk could land a big shot early, but trusts Meerschaert's experience.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 47 of 109 | 43% | 56 of 118 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 38 of 83 | 45% | 51 of 97 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 4:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 13 of 36 | 36% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 8 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 26 of 51 | 50% | 26 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:47 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 16 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Tavares | 47 of 109 | 43% | 29 of 85 | 12 of 18 | 6 of 6 | 45 of 105 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 38 of 83 | 45% | 27 of 66 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 36 of 79 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Tavares | 13 of 36 | 36% | 10 of 30 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 8 of 24 | 33% | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Brad Tavares | 26 of 51 | 50% | 15 of 38 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 48 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 23 of 44 | 52% | 18 of 35 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 21 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Brad Tavares | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tavares (-258), Meerschaert (+210)
Round 1
As the main card carries on, the few hundred fans in the building will be treated to a fascinating clash of styles pitting the UFC middleweight decision leader against the division’s all-time top finisher. Tavares (20-10, 15-10 UFC) prefers to stand, while Meerschaert (37-18, 12-10 UFC) is hunting for his 30th submission—and Tavares has never before been submitted. Something might have to give before all is said and done here. Referee Mike Beltran draws the assignment, ready to step in at a moment’s notice. The grizzled veterans show respect for one another with a glove touch, and Tavares pops out his jab. Meerschaert surges forward, pulling back before letting go with anything. Tavares prepares for a counter when Meerschaert comes at him, dinging the grappler with a hard left hand. Meerschaert zooms forward, looking for a double and ending up pushing the Hawaiian against the fencing. When Tavares breaks free, Meerschaert goes after him and plants a left hand on the chin. He ducks down to try this strike again, and this time it lands cleaner. Tavares backs him off with a crisp boxing combo, and Meerschaert shoots in for a double but is totally shut down. Tavares misses a right hand by a matter of inches, but the body kick that follows does land. Tavares puts his fist on Meerschaert’s chin, and he dips in with a shovel uppercut that brushes past the jaw. The two crash together, and Tavares rings his foe’s bell with an elbow, giving chase with a left hand and a body kick. Meerschaert fakes a level change to buzz by his foe, and he pitches out a couple calf kicks. Tavares advances, is intercepted and still snaps out a jab. Meerschaert kicks him in the lead leg again, and he leans back and gets drilled with a long two-punch string right down the middle. Tavares clips Meerschaert a second time with a right hand, and “GM3” catches a kick and zips a kick back at his adversary’s head. Tavares comes up short with a spinning back fist, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Round 2
Fists are bumped to start off the second round, and Tavares gets right behind a double jab. Tavares plunks Meerschaert with a right hand and has a high kick buzz past his hair. Tavares plants a heavy leg kick that strips the legs out beneath the grappler, and Beltran allows him to stand up as Tavares does not want to hit the ground with him. Meerschaert blitzes forward, landing at the end of a pair of combinations and backing off from front kicks. He then charges again, scoring twice with a solid lefts before mashing Tavares against the cage. “GM3” slashes with an elbow on the break, and he sneaks in a left hand as Tavares clutches his jaw awkwardly. Tavares overswings, and Meerschaert ducks down to level change. Tavares stonewalls him, boots him in the face and then slams a leg kick home. Two heavy punches from the Hawaiian get through, and Meerschaert answers him with two doubled lefts. He tries this double-left attack two more times, and Tavares sees it coming and circles off. Meerschaert connects with a powerful uppercut to push Tavares back, and he hammers Tavares with a body kick after they split up. Meerschaert sells out for a single that comes up way short of succeeding, and Tavares backs him away with a front kick and a blistering uppercut. Meerschaert shells up to defend a body kick, and the front kick that follows gets through. Tavares skirts away from looping punches, and they clash legs when kicking at the same moment. Tavares slips in a one-two, gets his head snapped back and still lands. Meerschaert throws back harder, and he gets Tavares’ attention just a moment. Body kicks fly from both men, and Tavares winds up with a right hand that staggers the grappler. “GM3” shakes out the cobwebs and scores as left hand down the middle. The bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Round 3
Fists are bumped, and fighters engage right after it with clubbing punches. Meerschaert darts in for a takedown, and he runs directly into a body kick. Tavares hops back and in with a jab, and he runs forward and is tripped. Meerschaert lets him back up so he can target the body a few times, and Tavares kicks him in the guts and has to defend a takedown. Meerschaert nearly gets him down, Tavares pulls a finger off the wall and bounces off well enough to stay upright. Meerschaert clings to his side, fishing his legs in for a trip. Beltran asks for more activity as “GM3” hangs on from partial back control standing, and he kicks out Tavares’ other foot for a second of instability. He kicks the same foot again, and Tavares has to rejigger himself to not get tripped up. Meerschaert keeps attacking the feet when not trying to use his body weight to wrench Tavares down, and the Hawaiian is able to defend well enough as precious seconds tick off the clock. Beltran needs something more from the fighters, and Meerschaert exerts himself but is not able to get it down. Tavares puts his back to the fence, and his takedown defense is enough to stifle the Kill Cliff FC fighter’s every effort. Beltran breaks them apart with 70 seconds left, and Meerschaert practically runs towards his opponent flailing his fists, Tavares is more composed with straight strikes, and he has his kick parried and he rolls with a punch. Meerschaert lunges at him with two left hands to then go after a single, and Tavares breaks free with 15 seconds to go. Meerschaert runs forward, lets fly a body kick, and he slings three unsuccessful head kicks to conclude the lackluster pairing.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Tavares)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Tavares)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Tavares)
The Official Result
Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo notes Brad Tavares has fought everyone and has solid striking and 80% takedown defense, while Gerald Meerschaert is a good grappler but sucks on the feet and gets hit a lot. He warns that taking Meerschaert down is dangerous, but Tavares has the fight IQ to avoid that. Angelo picks Tavares but thinks the odds are high for a guy with only one win in three years, and suggests a 'win inside the distance' prop might be a sharp play.
Big Brady picks the underdog Gerald Meerschaert, citing Brad Tavares's decline after the Dricus du Plessis fight and poor recent performances. He believes Meerschaert has underrated striking and a huge grappling advantage, and expects him to submit Tavares in the second round.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Meerschaert. He emphasizes that Tavares is a neutralizer who no longer believes in his own power and doesn't follow up on damage. Connor notes that Meerschaert has become craftier on the feet and that Tavares's defensive shell will be his downfall. He calls the matchup terrible matchmaking but sees Meerschaert as the logical winner.
Tavares is clearly diminishing at 1-4 in his last five fights. Meerschaert can push a pace and get the grappling going in the first and second rounds, leading to a classic Meerschaert submission in round two or three.
The Guru picks Brad Tavares, emphasizing his takedown defense and ability to keep the fight standing. He thinks Meerschaert's body kicks and takedown attempts will be slow and predictable, and Tavares will be snappier on the feet. He expects a decision win for Tavares, though notes Meerschaert comes alive in the third round.
Zane picks Meerschaert, arguing that Brad Tavares is 'cooked' and no longer dangerous. He notes Tavares's lack of motivation, tendency to shell up when hurt, and inability to finish fights. Zane points out that Meerschaert has improved his boxing and reach usage, and has a win over Bruno Silva who knocked out Tavares. He believes Meerschaert's willingness to win and Tavares's decline make Meerschaert the clear pick.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder | 0 | 30 of 54 | 55% | 44 of 72 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 2:53 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 1 | 38 of 66 | 57% | 82 of 114 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 1 | 0 | 3:29 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reinier de Ridder | 0 | 21 of 34 | 61% | 21 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:10 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 1 | 28 of 53 | 52% | 33 of 59 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Reinier de Ridder | 0 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 22 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:25 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 35 of 39 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 | |
| 3 | Reinier de Ridder | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 14 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:56 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder | 30 of 54 | 55% | 27 of 49 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 7 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 38 of 66 | 57% | 19 of 42 | 10 of 13 | 9 of 11 | 34 of 61 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reinier de Ridder | 21 of 34 | 61% | 19 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 19 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 28 of 53 | 52% | 14 of 34 | 5 of 8 | 9 of 11 | 26 of 51 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Reinier de Ridder | 9 of 17 | 52% | 8 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 5 of 6 | 83% | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Reinier de Ridder | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 5 of 7 | 71% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: De Ridder (-290), Meerschaert (+235)
Round 1
In their combined 54 pro wins, these two co-headlining middleweights have earned 50 finishes. Referee Mike Beltran better buckle up as soon as these two get started, as Meerschaert (37-17, 12-9 UFC) is just as dangerous in the first minute as he is in the last. Ridder (17-2, 0-0 UFC) will be coming over from One Championship, where level of competition and some other policies differ significantly, and it remains to be seen if there are any immediate growing pains. If this hits the ground, hang on tight. The 185ers touch ‘em up, and de Ridder starts out with multiple front kicks. Meerschaert chases after him with a one-two, and de Ridder’s front kick gets plenty of work early. De Ridder awkwardly lunges his way in, and he gets popped with a right hand before backing off. “RDR” chips at the front leg twice before Meerschaert gets his hands on him, with Meerschaert connecting with a series of punches that redden the newcomer’s face up. De Ridder uses a low kick to set up a takedown attempt, scooping up the middleweight submission leader in the UFC and putting him down to the ground. De Ridder passes briefly, but Meerschaert flips him over and fights off a triangle choke setup to allow them both to stand. Meerschaert stabs out a jab, and he rips a left to the ribcage. Meerschaert scores two left hands, and his subsequent right hand draws a funny reaction out of the UFC debutant. Meerschaert checks a body kick and swarms forward with several powerful punches. De Ridder wobbles back, gets clipped with a left hand and ducks down to prevent any further harm. “GM3” shuts down a takedown with ease and slides to the side, and he eats a jab on the way out. A de Ridder low kick gets checked, and he sets up a few punches with a jab and takes a few on the chin before backing off. Meerschaert connects with a solid left hook and jumps guard for a guillotine choke, but de Ridder shucks him out of the way. Meerschaert kicks him off, stands up and deals with a jump knee. Meerschaert stuffs a takedown and sets up a power guillotine, only to use the grip to push off. De Ridder swings wide, has a low kick checked and shoots for a failed entry. Meerschaert drills him with an elbow when fighting of the takedown, and de Ridder pecks at him with distant jabs. Meerschaert gives him one jab back to think about, and de Ridder sits down on a right hand that gets Meerschaert’s attention. Meerschaert closes in and dings him with an uppercut, and he gets sent flying with an elbow and a looping left hand. Before “RDR” can put a stamp on things, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Round 2
To start off the second round, de Ridder wants to put hands on what he thinks to be a wounded fighter. Meerschaert appears to have his sea legs out him, and he swings back and tags the newcomer a few times. “RDR” walks him down, wraps up a body lock and hits an easy trip. Meerschaert turns to his side as de Ridder hopes to establish to half guard. De Ridder sneaks in an elbow before Meerschaert hand-fights with two-on-one wrist control on the Dutchman’s left arm, and de Ridder uses the opportunity to nearly slide out of danger. De Ridder sets up a choke while on his seat, and Meerschaert pushes him off and unloads with a lengthy punch combination. De Ridder still works his way upright, threaten with a throw and falls over. Meerschaert jumps on top, moving right into half guard and opening up with strikes. A brief arm-triangle choke from the American is flirted with, but Meerschaert bails on it to nail the debuting fighter with an elbow. De Ridder re-fastens his guard before tugging his toes on the fencing, and he pushes Meerschaert to his feet. “GM3” lowers himself back down while smacking de Ridder in the chops with punches. De Ridder fires back, and he lifts a leg up in hopes of hooking up a triangle. Meerschaert is wise to it and shucks it off, and he takes a few punches from “RDR” off his back. De Ridder fishes for an arm, and he uses it to work his way back to his feet. De Ridder turns the tables with a trip, placing the underdog on his back before having to fight out of an armbar. Meerschaert goes for one more submission as the 10-second clapper sounds, and he flips “RDR” over before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Round 3
The middleweights touch ‘em up to get the last round going, and Meerschaert is the one pushing the pace in pursuit of a clinch and possible takedown. De Ridder fights his way off the wall, only for Meerschaert to trip him down to his face. De Ridder stands back up, and Meerschaert shoots for a single that is defended. De Ridder drives a knee to the torso while Meerschaert stands up, and he trips “GM3” up and tosses him to the mat like a side of beef. Meerschaert squirms the right direction and puts de Ridder on the mat, evading a front choke while scurrying as fast as he can to put de Ridder on his back.
De Ridder repositions to full mount, and he locks down an arm-triangle choke in a hurry. Meerschaert defends by answering the telephone, and he quickly finds the submission is a bit too tight for his liking. Rather than get put to sleep, a disappointed Meerschaert taps out twice.
Both exhausted fighters fall to their backs, sucking wind now that the fight is over. De Ridder becomes the first fighter since Jack Hermansson in 2018 to force “GM3” to surrender, introducing himself to his new company in a big way.
The Official Result
Reinier de Ridder def. Gerald Meerschaert R3 1:44 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo picks Reinier de Ridder as the next evolution of Gerald Meerschaert: high-level BJJ with much better takedowns. He notes de Ridder uses his length well and can hang with anyone on the ground. He expects a high-level grappling fight and thinks the UFC matched him up this way on purpose. He will probably bet on de Ridder.
Big Brady goes back and forth but ultimately picks Meerschaert, citing de Ridder's poor cardio and striking. He expects de Ridder to come out strong but fade, allowing Meerschaert to take over in the later rounds. He predicts a third-round submission for Meerschaert.
Cody highlights de Ridder's elite grappling credentials, including a draw with Andre Galvao and a competitive loss to Tye Ruotolo. He believes de Ridder's judo and BJJ black belt will neutralize Meerschaert's submission game, and his striking is good enough to win on the feet. Cody expects de Ridder to pass this barometer test and win, possibly by knockout or decision.
Connor also picks Meerschaert, agreeing that de Ridder's striking is terrible and that Meerschaert can piece him up. He notes the size difference but thinks Meerschaert's boxing will prevail. He also comments that the odds are too wide in favor of de Ridder.
Daniel Vreeland picks Gerald Meerschaert as a dog, citing concerns about Reinier de Ridder's stamina and recent performances, including a knockout loss and a quit job. He notes Meerschaert's durability, awkward striking, and record for most submissions in UFC middleweight history. Vreeland expects a late finish if de Ridder doesn't get an early submission.
Lucrative James picks Reinier de Ridder to win, but is hesitant due to the wide odds. He notes that de Ridder is a one-dimensional grappler with poor striking, while Meerschaert is a submission specialist who could catch him. He believes de Ridder's wrestling and size advantage should allow him to dictate where the fight goes, but acknowledges that Meerschaert is dangerous off his back and could pull off a submission. He also mentions considering a bet on Meerschaert due to the value.
De Ridder's ability to take the back will be key. As his grappling wears on Meerschaert, he should open up a submission or ground-and-pound opportunity and get a finish in his UFC debut.
Paul is not excited about laying -278 on a UFC debutant, but acknowledges de Ridder's experience in big fights and his grappling advantage. He notes that Meerschaert struggles when opponents don't gas and have comparable grappling. Paul thinks de Ridder can win on points or by taking Meerschaert down and controlling him.
The Guru picks Reinier de Ridder, citing his jiu-jitsu advantage and ability to avoid being fraud-checked in grappling. He worries about de Ridder's stand-up but believes his clinch knees and body work will be key. He predicts de Ridder finishes Meerschaert with knees to the body in the second or third round, surviving any guillotine danger.
Zane picks Meerschaert, noting that de Ridder cannot strike at all and has no functional pressure. He thinks Meerschaert can outbox him easily. He also mentions that de Ridder's wins are over regional competition and that Meerschaert is a tough out. He suggests a prop on Meerschaert by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 48 of 113 | 42% | 48 of 113 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 21 of 44 | 47% | 31 of 54 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 0:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 22 of 50 | 44% | 22 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 14 of 33 | 42% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 26 of 63 | 41% | 26 of 63 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 0 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 15 of 19 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 0:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 48 of 113 | 42% | 31 of 94 | 16 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 26 of 60 | 5 of 9 | 17 of 44 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 21 of 44 | 47% | 11 of 33 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 20 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 22 of 50 | 44% | 12 of 38 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 46 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 14 of 33 | 42% | 5 of 24 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gerald Meerschaert | 26 of 63 | 41% | 19 of 56 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 4 of 5 | 17 of 44 |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 7 of 11 | 63% | 6 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shahbazyan (-310), Meerschaert (+250)
Round 1
If Reese vs. Medina was the appetizer for middleweight finishers—although it did not go down the way matchmakers likely intended—this pairing between aggressive youngster Shahbazyan (13-4, 6-4 UFC) and crafty opportunist Meerschaert (36-17, 11-9 UFC) is the main course. Together, they sport three wins by decision across their combined 49 victories. Referee Mark Smith needs to be on his A-game for this one, although he is well-prepared for the bout that commences with a touch of gloves. Meerschaert introduces himself with a well-placed body kick, and Shahbazyan frowns and responds with a right straight to the ribs. Meerschaert scores another thudding body kick, and Shahbazyan measures his left hand and walks “GM3” down. A third body kick from Meerschaert connects cleanly, and he scores a one-two and is countered. Shahbazyan absorbs an inside leg kick and a jab, and he fights off a takedown but gets uppercutted twice in the exchange. Meerschaert lands a right hand and eats a right to the body and a left to the head. Shahbazyan rushes in, and he slashes out with an elbow to break. “GM3” sneaks in a left hand, and Shahbazyan boots him in the ribcage. Meerschaert does the same with his kick, and Shahbazyan targets his midsection in response. Doubling up on a jab, Shahbazyan punches his way in and follows a right hand with a head kick. Meerschaert blocks the second kick and loops a left hand in, and they get up close and personal to trade fierce punches. “GM3” further attacks the body, and a left hand that follows reddens up the nose of “The Golden Boy.” Shahbazyan splits the guard with a right cross, and he has a leg kick checked. Meerschaert kicks the inner thigh, and it slides up and slaps into the cup. Shahbazyan grimaces in pain, and Smith calls time. Shahbazyan clutches his groin and paces around to get his wind back, and he takes 75 seconds before resuming. Smith tells Meerschaert to “stay away from that area,” and he nods. On the restart, Meerschaert loops a right around the jab, and he parries a high body kick. Shahbazyan sticks him with a left and comes up short on a big left hand, and they clash with kicks at the same time. Shahbazyan walks through a punch to get Meerschaert’s attention with a right hook, and a body kick from “The Golden Boy” ends the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shahbazyan
Round 2
The middleweight clap hands to start the round, and Meerschaert is on the attack immediately. Jabbing his way into a takedown effort, he fails on it and pulls back to try a second time. Meerschaert kicks the body of his foe, and he trips to his back and climbs back up. Shahbazyan defends from another takedown, and he clips “GM3” with a short right hook to the body and a pounding knee that puts Meerschaert down. Shahbazyan opens up with ground-and-pound, spamming punches and hammerfists as Smith tells him to fight back. Meerschaert stays busy enough to survive, slowing things down by tying up Shahbazyan’s hand. Shahbazyan tries his hardest to finish the fight, but Meerschaert is savvy enough to block most of them. When Shahbazyan takes mount, “GM3” times an explosion to buck Shahbazyan off of him. Meerschaert threatens with a guillotine off his back, and he reassumes the guard and looks to tie Shahbazyan up with a kimura. Shahbazyan stands up and tells Meerschaert to stand back up. Meerschaert immediately shoots for a takedown and is met with a knee, and he looks for a standing guillotine when Shahbazyan bullies him to the fence. Meerschaert does not have the sub, so he lets it go and blasts Shahbazyan with three ferocious punches. Shahbazyan gives him back two knees to the body and a right hand to back him away. Shahbazyan times a jump knee as Meerschaert tackles him to the mat, and with one minute to go, Meerschaert assumes to position.
In the blink of an eye, Meerschaert latches onto the arm-triangle choke, and he lowers himself down when sensing the resistance of “The Golden Boy” is not what it was before. “GM3” completes the submission without even stepping over to the side, instead hanging on in half guard, and that is all he needs. Shahbazyan surrenders to a sub for the first time in his career
, and Meerschaert has pulled off the upset and the comeback. In doing so, Meerschaert becomes the UFC’s all-time finish leader at middleweight, breaking his tie with Anderson Silva for sole possession of the record.
The Official Result
Gerald Meerschaert def. Edmen Shahbazyan R2 4:12 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Angelo picks Gerald Meerschaert as an underdog, acknowledging his chinny reputation but noting his improved takedowns in his last fight. He thinks Meerschaert's grappling is the best it's looked and that if he can take Shahbazyan down, he'll be in trouble. He mentions that Shahbazyan is a 3-to-1 favorite which seems crazy, and that Apex cards are ripe for upsets. He also suggests a plus 3.5 bet on Meerschaert.
Cody picks Meerschaert because he thinks Shahbazyan is a front-runner who fades if he doesn't finish early. He notes Meerschaert has good BJJ, cardio, and a comeback ability. He believes if Shahbazyan doesn't knock him out in the first round, Meerschaert will take over and submit him. He also mentions that Shahbazyan has been stopped by wrestlers and grapplers before.
Daniel Vreeland picks Gerald Meerschaert for the upset, noting Shahbazyan is a front-runner who fades after the first round. He believes if Shahbazyan doesn't get a first-round KO, Meerschaert will take over with submissions or ground-and-pound. He acknowledges the risk of Shahbazyan winning early.
JP picks Shahbazyan by KO, noting his losses were to elite competition and he has looked great lately. He thinks Meerschaert is old, slow, and his standup is not good. Brevin agrees, adding that Meerschaert is reckless and has been taking bad punishment recently, including a one-punch KO loss to Chimaev. Shahbazyan is bigger, younger, and has good wrestling to stuff takedowns.
Paul leans towards Shahbazyan by KO but doesn't like the price. He thinks Shahbazyan has the power to finish Meerschaert early, but notes that Meerschaert is durable and could survive. He prefers to bet live or take a prop on Shahbazyan by KO rather than the moneyline. He also mentions that Meerschaert's chin is suspect.
The MMA Guru picks Edmen Shahbazyan by first-round KO. He believes Shahbazyan is much more talented on the feet and that Meerschaert is getting old. He cites Shahbazyan's wins over Barbarena, AJ Dobson, and Dingi Andula, and notes Meerschaert's recent win over Barbarena was unimpressive. He predicts a first-round finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 30 of 36 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 | 0 | 5:03 |
| Bryan Barberena | 0 | 12 of 37 | 32% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 12 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:15 |
| Bryan Barberena | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 13 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 4 of 4 | 100% | 18 of 18 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 2:48 |
| Bryan Barberena | 0 | 2 of 12 | 16% | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Meerschaert | 11 of 17 | 64% | 7 of 12 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Barberena | 12 of 37 | 32% | 9 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 8 | 10 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald Meerschaert | 7 of 13 | 53% | 4 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Barberena | 10 of 25 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | |
| 2 | Gerald Meerschaert | 4 of 4 | 100% | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Barberena | 2 of 12 | 16% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Meerschaert (-245), Barberena (+200)
Round 1
The prelims kick off with a stylistically opposite middleweight matchup pitting a submission magician against a burly brawler. Meerschaert (35-17, 10-9 UFC) will be the rare betting favorite in a match, because it comes against former welterweight Barberena (18-11, 9-9 UFC). This fight may not need the judges at its conclusion, but referee Herb Dean is on call for what comes next. The grizzled veterans touch gloves, and Meerschaert crowds forward and paws out a low kick. Barberena replies with one as he hops from side to side, not letting himself get cornered or stay too long in one spot. Barberena misses with another leg kick, and he reaches out with a swatting right hook. Meerschaert loads up on a right hand that skims the bears, and he digs a left to the body before backing away to dodge a counter. Barberena chips at the lead leg with a kick, and Meerschaert ducks a punch to tie him up. Barberena frantically escapes the clinch, not allowing the grappler to get hold of him for more than a second or two. Barberena keeps sliding to the side until Meerschaert shoots in on a double, and he takes “Bam Bam” off his feet. Barberena posts off his arm to remain upright, and Meerschaert jumps on top of him to secure the position. Meerschaert clings to the side of his opponent, with one hook in, as Barberena fights to maintain wrist control and keep Meerschaert from establishing a dominant position. Barberena climbs back to his feet, and he threatens with an overhand right but misses the mark. Meerschaert walks straight into a one-two, and Barberena charges into him and bowls him over. Meerschaert absorbs a few low kicks from on his back before popping back up, and he reaches out with a right hand when upright again. Meerschaert slips a few punches and shoot for a double, and he lands in the guard before quickly advancing to half guard. “GM3” slides into side control, and he isolates Barberena’s left arm to pursue a kimura. Meerschaert steps over and wrenches on the kimura behind his foe’s back, but Barberena leans up against the wall to defend it. Meerschaert drops down to snatch up a guillotine choke, but the leverage is not there from his angle to get it set. Meerschaert lets Barberena up and lands a few punches before backing up, and Barberena lumbers towards him throwing inaccurate hands until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Round 2
Meerschaert accepts a fist bump to get started, but he is on a mission as he crowds Barberena and chases him around the cage. Barberena keeps moving, and he swings a right hand that is ducked by a shooting “GM3.” Barberena defends the single and pushes off with a left hook, and he reaches out with a pair of punches to back Meerschaert off for a moment. Barberena just misses with a windmilling left hand, and Meerschaert shoots for a single that is stuffed. Meerschaert kicks the ribs and parries a one-two, and he sticks out a jab. Meerschaert prods out another jab, and Barberena answers with his own. Meerschaert shoots, turns the corner and succeeds in putting Barberena on his back. Barberena maintains butterfly hooks to defend from anything, until Meerschaert steps over to half guard. Meerschaert grabs hold of an arm-triangle choke and presses down while his body is draped on the alternate side, and Barberena grits his teeth and scoots his way to the fencing. Meerschaert hangs on from the side and hunts for a rear-naked choke, and Barberena hand-fights to stop it. When Barberena attempts to stand back up, Meerschaert gets the hook in on the other side and acts as a mean-spirted backpack. “GM3” locks up a rear-naked choke while standing, but Barberena is tough as a two-dollar steak and fights it out as he drops to his knee.
Meerschaert grips the rear-naked choke grip on the chin, squeezing with all power on the face crank. Meerschaert does not adjust his grip, and Barberena searches for options and suddenly loses consciousness—from a face crank. The forearm never slid under the chin, and yet Barberena is out cold!
When Dean gets between them, the sportsman Meerschaert rushes over the lift Barberena’s legs up to force the blood to flow back to the head, while Dean tends to the groggy, defeated fighter. The victorious Meerschaert now ties Anderson Silva for the most finishes in the UFC’s middleweight division, and when asked what he wants next, he calls for a beer and a nap.
The Official Result
Gerald Meerschaert def. Bryan Barberena R2 4:23 via Technical Submission (Face Crank)
Angelo notes that Meerschaert is a very good grappler always live for a submission, though he has a questionable chin and poor takedown accuracy. Barberena is a fun brawler who doesn't use his wrestling and has been taken down 18 times in his last three fights. Angelo thinks the more likely outcome is Meerschaert gets a takedown and snatches a submission, but warns he cannot be trusted as a 2-to-1 favorite.
Big Brady picks Gerald Meerschaert to win by second-round submission. He notes Barberena's poor takedown defense and submission losses, and expects Meerschaert to get the fight to the mat and submit him. He is wary of Meerschaert's chin but thinks Barberena's recent form is too poor.
Cody picks Gerald Meerschaert, emphasizing the size advantage. He notes Barberena is undersized at middleweight, having ballooned to 240 lbs and struggled to make 170. He points out Barberena was taken down 13 times in his last fight and lacks the power to hurt Meerschaert. He sees Meerschaert's size and grappling as decisive.
Lucrative James picks Gerald Meerschaert to win by submission, likely in round two or three. He believes Barberena is on a downward trajectory and lacks the power to knock out Meerschaert. He notes that Barberena has a significant grappling disadvantage and that Meerschaert is opportunistic with submissions. He mentions that he won't play the moneyline but might bet on a round prop.
The host is surprised Meerschaert is a big favorite, as he believes Barberena has good enough defensive grappling to deal with Meerschaert's less-than-average wrestling. He notes Barberena has shown improvements in getting back to his feet and letting his hands go, and expects Barberena to have the striking advantage, leading to a knockout in the third round as Meerschaert fails on his grappling attempts.
Paul also picks Meerschaert but with hesitation. He acknowledges Barberena's toughness and grit, but notes Meerschaert's inconsistency and tendency to lose rounds before pulling off a finish. He warns that this could be a 'pie in the sky' situation where Meerschaert's flaws are overlooked. Still, he expects Meerschaert to win due to size.
The Guru picks Gerald Meerschaert by submission in round three. He notes Barberena was outgrappled by Makhmud Muradov, whom Meerschaert submitted. He expects Meerschaert to get dominant position and submit the 'melting vanilla ice cream' Barberena. He mentions Meerschaert's typical third-round finishes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Petroski | 1 | 57 of 132 | 43% | 67 of 143 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 76 of 149 | 51% | 92 of 166 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Petroski | 0 | 13 of 42 | 30% | 13 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andre Petroski | 1 | 29 of 61 | 47% | 31 of 63 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 23 of 54 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Andre Petroski | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 23 of 38 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 0 | 42 of 65 | 64% | 58 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Petroski | 57 of 132 | 43% | 39 of 114 | 12 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 46 of 117 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 11 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 76 of 149 | 51% | 65 of 135 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 60 of 131 | 10 of 10 | 6 of 8 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Petroski | 13 of 42 | 30% | 10 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 11 of 30 | 36% | 8 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andre Petroski | 29 of 61 | 47% | 20 of 52 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 11 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 23 of 54 | 42% | 18 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andre Petroski | 15 of 29 | 51% | 9 of 23 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | 42 of 65 | 64% | 39 of 61 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 27 of 48 | 9 of 9 | 6 of 8 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petroski (-245), Meerschaert (+200)
Round 1
Grappling fans will likely get their money’s worth with this early preliminary headliner at middleweight. A perfect 4-0 in the Octagon since coming into the league off his unsuccessful jaunt on Season 29 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Petroski (9-1, 4-0 UFC) is a man on a mission with an equal distribution of knockouts and submissions on his ledger. Standing in his way is the ultra-dangerous Meerschaert (35-16, 10-8 UFC), who can snatch up a limb or neck in the blink of an eye. It could be a wild one for as long as it lasts, and referee Herb Dean will be the one keeping tabs on this affair. The crowd cheers louder for Dean than either fighter. There is ample respect, as the two fighters touch ‘em up before handling their business. Petroski moves to the center of the cage, and Meerschaert paws out a few jabs and narrowly avoids a sudden overhand left. Petroski chambers his left hand again, and Meerschaert ducks it and keeps his guard high to block three more strikes. Petroski sits down on a leg kick, and he takes a jab on the nose. Petroski swings for the fences, and Meerschaert responds with a short right hook. Petroski fires off a right hand, and he lumbers forward with two looping strikes. Meerschaert steps in with a sneaky left hand, and he pops Petroski with a second as he keeps moving. Petroski whiffs on a home run punch, and Meerschaert sees that and a second whiz by his face as he prods out with his own jab. Meerschaert’s jab continues to find its home, and he pushes out a one-two when Petroski comes at him, hands down. Petroski unloads with a vicious combination, and Meerschaert dodges most of them but takes one or two flush. “GM3” peppers the lead wheel with a kick, and he stutter-steps forward to draw a reaction out of Petroski. The Pennsylvanian has his right hand ready to fire off in a moment’s notice, and he leaps forward with three strikes that all come up short thanks to Meerschaert leaning and sliding backwards. Meerschaert starts to put his punches together, with a few short combinations that bounce off the guard of his foe. Petroski misses the mark by a mile, and Meerschaert pushes off as Petroski complains about an eye poke. Meerschaert does not acknowledge he committed a foul, and Dean allows him 30 seconds to recover before Petroski says he is good to go. When they resume, Petroski rushes forward but does not swing. Meerschaert gets in a left hand, and he scores a jab to follow. Petroski shoots in for a takedown, and Meerschaert falls to his back and sets up an inverted triangle immediately. Petroski is trapped in this position but does not appear to be overly concerned, and they ride out the round in this position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Round 2
The two touch gloves to get back to it, and Meerschaert strikes first with a left hand over the top. Petroski connects with a leg kick, and he rushes forward in pursuit of a single-leg takedown. Meerschaert matadors him out of the way and allows Petroski to reset. When Meerschaert advances, Petroski lands a right hand. Meerschaert continues trotting forward, and Petroski throws hard and misses, and he goes after a single to follow it. Meerschaert shuts it down and gets off a shovel uppercut, and Petroski comes up high with a kick. They both trade right hands, and Petroski lands a pull-back two-punch combo. Meerschaert replies with a left hand that surprises Petroski, and he catches a Petroski kick that allows Meerschaert to trip his foe to the floor. Petroski jumps back up, and Meerschaert peppers him with a few jabs. Petroski throws hooks, and Meerschaert dodges and chips at Petroski’s lead leg. Meerschaert jumps forward with a jab, and he walks into a right hand that loops around his guard. Meerschaert backs Petroski off with three punches, and Petroski lets his hands go and belts him with a right hook. Meerschaert sticks his tongue out, and Petroski loads up and lands another. Meerschaert dips down and smacks Petroski with his own left hook, and he chains a head kick into it. Meerschaert flashes his jab and puts an uppercut on the chin, and Petroski disguises a single but falls into a potential guillotine trap. Petroski lets it go, and he gets shoved back and has his lead leg kicked again. Petroski drives a left to the body and goes for a right to the head, and Meerschaert defends against it and lands a short right of his own. Petroski leaps into action with a massive right hand, and it sends Meerschaert crashing to the canvas. When Meerschaert hits his back, he throws up a triangle choke, and he manages to gather his thoughts and threaten with another guillotine before the two stand up. As Meerschaert retreats, he is still a little hurt, and Petroski bears down on him and stops a lazy single from “GM3.” Petroski pushes Meerschaert to the floor and lands a few punches before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Round 3
Meerschaert is amped up and ready to go, and he rushes at his man and gets off a solid left hand down the middle. Meerschaert snatches up a kick that flies at his side and trips Petroski up, and he succeeds in taking Petroski down and climbing into top position. Petroski attacks with a triangle choke off his back, and Meerschaert fights it off and gets pushed back in the process. Meerschaert jumps back down into the guard of his opponent, and he smothers Petroski without doing much offensively. Dean warns Meerschaert that he needs to do more from here, and this spurs Meerschaert into action, who drops down some ground-and-pound. Petroski swings his legs high for an armbar effort, and Meerschaert shucks it off and elbows Petroski on the head hard. A cut opens up on Petroski’s cheek under his left eye, and Petroski muscles his way back to his feet. Meerschaert pressures his foe, who appears slightly fatigued, and he lays into him with a combination. Petroski throws back with a vengeance, with one punch that does not have the pop on it that it once did. Meerschaert connects with a few more strikes until Petroski shoots for a takedown, and Meerschaert drops to his back and hunts for a guillotine choke. Petroski fights out of it and steps over to the side while threatening with his own counter choke in the form of a Von Preux, and Meerschaert sees this and releases his own grip. Petroski sits up on a guillotine choke as he moves to mount, and Meerschaert traps Petroski’s leg to thwart it. Meerschaert explodes up to his seat and back to his feet, and when clinched up, he knees Petroski right in the breadbasket. Meerschaert rails Petroski with a huge left hand, and the two decide to abandon their grappling ways and throw everything they have. The two begin to brawl, and Meerschaert lands the better of the strikes and knocks Petroski back to the wall. Meerschaert unloads with everything he has left, and Petroski barely survives to the bell. As soon as it sounds, he drops to the floor, totally spent. This could be a close one, depending on how the first round is scored. It may come to the surprise of many that it managed to go the distance.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Meerschaert)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-27 Petroski)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-27 Petroski)
The Official Result
Andre Petroski def. Gerald Meerschaert via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Andre Petroski, trusting his wrestling and power, but leaves him out of the safety parlay due to Gerald Meerschaert's submission threat. He notes that Meerschaert has poor takedown defense and a suspect chin, but could pull off a Hail Mary submission. He has Petroski in a parlay with Natália Silva at -133.
Big Brady picks Gerald Meerschaert as a big underdog to win by third-round submission, acknowledging Petroski could knock him out early. He notes Meerschaert has 27 submission wins and is dangerous when opponents tire. Brady worries about Petroski's cardio, as he slows in the second and third rounds, and believes Meerschaert can capitalize on mistakes.
Cody thinks Petroski's wrestling and physical strength will overwhelm Meerschaert, who has a poor chin and is coming off a knockout loss. He expects a finish, but notes Petroski's gas tank could be an issue if the fight goes long.
Daniel Levi picks Andre Petroski, noting that he has been improving and showed better pacing in his last fight. He acknowledges that Meerschaert is live to catch Petroski with a submission, especially since Petroski has been guillotined before. Levi is not comfortable laying the price and prefers props, playing Petroski KO in round 1 and Meerschaert submission in rounds 2-3.
Lucrative James leans towards Gerald Meerschaert as an underdog, noting that Andre Petroski tends to gas out in the second round before recovering in the third, leaving openings for submissions. He acknowledges the risk of Petroski finishing early but sees value in Meerschaert's patented round 2-3 submission. He suggests a live bet after round one.
Petroski is the stronger wrestler with power and cardio improvements. He should take Meerschaert down and control him, likely finishing in the first two rounds. Meerschaert has durability issues and struggles when pressured early. The moneyline is a bit wide, but the fight not going to decision is a solid play.
The MMA Guru picks Andre Petroski to out-grapple and possibly submit Gerald Meerschaert. He notes Meerschaert's recent KO loss and quick turnaround, and believes Petroski's scrambles will neutralize Meerschaert's guillotine attempts. He was impressed by Petroski's performance against Wellington Turman and thinks he can dominate on the ground. He predicts a TKO by ground and pound or decision.
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