Gerald Meerschaert and Edmen Shahbazyan are set to face off in a middleweight bout in the upcoming UFC event. Meerschaert, with a record of 36-17 (11-9 UFC), brings in a wealth of experience from his 20 appearances in the UFC. Known for his submission skills, Meerschaert has secured 10 out of his 11 UFC wins by submission. On the other hand, Shahbazyan, with a record of 13-4 (6-4 UFC), has had a mixed UFC journey so far. Despite winning his first four fights in the promotion, he faced a setback with three consecutive losses before bouncing back with two wins in his last three bouts.
Analysis of the Matchup
While Shahbazyan has shown signs of improvement in his recent fights, there are still concerns regarding his overall game. His issues with aggression and staying power could be exploited by a seasoned grappler like Meerschaert. In his last fight against AJ Dobson, Shahbazyan displayed vulnerabilities in key positions that could be a significant disadvantage against Meerschaert, who is known for his expertise in rear-naked chokes. As Meerschaert holds the record for most finishes in middleweight history and is considered one of the best rear-naked choke artists in MMA, he has a clear advantage in the grappling department.
Prediction and Betting Odds
Despite Meerschaert’s credentials and potential stylistic advantages in the fight, the oddsmakers and the public favor Shahbazyan, listing him as a -300 favorite compared to Meerschaert at +235. This presents an interesting betting opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the underdog in Meerschaert. The fight is scheduled to be the main card opener, with both fighters expected to make their walkouts at around 10:05 p.m. ET. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
The matchup between Meerschaert and Shahbazyan offers an intriguing clash of styles and experience levels. While Shahbazyan has shown glimpses of improvement, his deficiencies in certain aspects of his game could be exploited by a seasoned veteran like Meerschaert. With Meerschaert’s proven track record in submissions and the potential advantages that come with fighting in a smaller octagon, the odds may favor the underdog in this matchup. Ultimately, the fight is set to deliver an exciting showdown for MMA fans to enjoy.