The man at the losing end of the fastest fight by Khamzat Chimaev expects 'and still' to be heard in the UFC 319 Main Event.
Chimaev is currently completing his final preparations and training for his first taste of championship campaign on the largest stage in MMA, while registering to challenge the title from the middleweight on August 16.
Chimaev, headliner UFC 319, will challenge Dricus du Plessis in the pursuit of an achievement that both Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya have not achieved since the South African stood to the top with an undefeated run in the Octagon.
'Borz' should not taste defeat in the UFC either. And although many predict that to stay the case on the way to his title award in United Center, one of the former enemies of the Challenger thinks differently.
Gerald Meerschaert expects ex-openerer Khamzat Chimaev to finally lose at UFC 319
Chimaev has an abundance of dominant versions on his UFC record, three of which were in the promotion within his first three months. After two victories in the space of just 10 days on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, the Chechen star first participated in the American soil at UFC Vegas 11, an event with head by Colby Covington's TKO victory on Tyron Woodley.
'Borz' stole the headlines because of his performance against Gerald Meerschaert, who has the most finishes in UFC Middleweight History. The American did not get the chance to present his reputable wrestling in the night, with Chimaev picked me up with one fell swoop after just 17 seconds.
Despite his experience in sharing the cage with the UFC 319 Challenger, 'GM3' recently supported du Plessis to hold the title during an interview with Fight Bananas.
“My prediction, I really think it will be Dricus,” Meerschaert said.
“I will not be shocked if Khamzat wins, you know what I say? But if I had to put a percentage on it, I would say 60, 70 percent Dricus.
“I think he will be too big and too physical for Khamzat to catch in those first few rounds,” Meerschaert continued. “If he does that, that's great, that's crazy and more power for him.
“But I personally think that Dricus, his movement, will cause his unique fighting style Khamzat problems.”
Gerald Meerschaert will appear on Khamzat Chimaev's UFC 319 Undercard
Meerschaert will probably take good view of his former rival Come Fight Week in Chicago. He is also ready to return to action as part of the UFC 319 event.
'GM3' will be one of those who form the stage for the title headline of Chimaev and Du Plessis later in the night, while he meets Michal Oleksiejczuk on a provisional map with King Green, Chase Hooper, and a former UFC champion in Jessica Andrade.
The competition will be a key for the 37-year-old middleweight veteran. Meerschaert lost in November 2024 to a debuting Reinier de Ridder before a decision against Brad Tavares sent him last April on a two -foot loss Skid.
The UFC 319 assignment Never lost three fights in a 56-Vecht Pro career, can be crucial for the continuous presence of Meerschaert in the Octagon.