Gerlad Meerschaert was recently booked to face off against the most highly touted prospect in MMA; Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev has cruised to two dominant UFC stoppages in as many appearances. The Chechen last KO’d Rhys McKee via first round ground-and-pound in July. Before that, Chimaev out-struck John Phillips 124-2 before securing a D’Arce choke in round 2. The wins came just 11 days apart, setting a UFC record.
Needless to say, the buzz around Khamzat Chimaev is well deserved. The hype train is gaining so much steam that Dana White has already discussed booking Chimaev vs. Demian Maia on Fight Island should Chimaev win in September.
The fact that a Maia bout is being discussed before Meerschaert has had the chance to square up with Chimaev has certainly not gone unnoticed by the former. “He’s not leaving the cage physically able to fight in October” Meerschaert said in a tweet.
“GM3” has also ratcheted up the meme game following Maia rumors.
Meerschaert will certainly have a tall order in Chimaev but his submission skills certainly give him a fighting chance. GM3 is currently tied for the most submissions in UFC Middleweight history with five. If Chimaev gets overbearing, it isn’t out of the cards.
A win here would undoubtedly be the biggest win of Meerschaert’s career. Not only that, but this is a massive step up in competition for Chimaev. Khamzat Chimaev is no joke, but it’s a bit disrespectful to just assume that he’ll steamroll a veteran like Gerald Meerschaert.
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