MMA Preview – Makhmud Muradov vs Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 35
MAKHMUD MURADOV VS GERALD MEERSCHAERT FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 35? Sunday 29th August, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 35? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 35? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 35 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 35? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MAKHMUD MURADOV VS GERALD MEERSCHAERT LOWDOWN
We need to see more Makhmud Muradov (25-6). He is a star in Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic with buckets of talent but has only fought twice since his UFC debut three years ago. He made his long-awaited entrance while riding an 11-fight win streak including nine knockouts and two middleweight titles on the local scene. He stepped up on short notice for a very tough welcome in the form of Alessio Di Chirico and pulled off a unanimous decision. He followed that up by punching Trevor Smith’s soul out of his body but in 2020 he had four fights with different opponents fall through. He finally got back in the cage to meet Andrew Sanchez in January and added another impressive and violent knockout.
Gerald Meerschaert (32-14) hasn’t had the most successful UFC career, but it has been entertaining. He is 7-6 in the UFC now and only two of those fights have gone to a decision – split decision losses to Kevin Holland and Eryk Anders. After the loss to Anders, he bounced back with a quality submission over Deron Winn, but then got knocked out twice in a row. Firstly, by Ian Heinisch and then fed to Khamzat Chimaev who buried him in a few seconds. However, in true Meerschaert style, he replied with a ‘performance of the night’ and submission over Bartosz Fabinski.
MAKHMUD MURADOV VS GERALD MEERSCHAERT PREDICTION
It seems like Meerschaert is being fed to another prospect. Although, as we know, the veteran is always dangerous. Muradov is clearly the better striker. He is very technical and will have a significant speed advantage. He will look to create space and use his movement to set up power shots in all limbs.
Meerschaert will be well-aware of this and with the damage his chin has taken recently, he cannot afford to eat any clean shots as he will be waking up to a doctor’s flashlight. Muradov is on a different level on the feet, and he has to try and take this fight to the floor.
Unfortunately for Meerschaert, Muradov also has great takedown defence and should be able to shrug off the majority of takedown attempts. However, we have a feeling Muradov could add to his highlight reel before Meerschaert even gets close to him.
Prediction: Muradov via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
