LAS VEGAS – Gerald Meerschaert gained’t depend on Edmen Shahbazyan slowing down of their combat.
Meerschaert (36-17 MMA, 11-9 UFC) takes on Shahbazyan (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 62 (ESPN/ESPN+) principal card opener on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Shahbazyan has been criticized prior to now for his cardio, however Meerschaert expects him to carry the combat all through.
“I do know for a truth when the going will get robust, he’s going to combat again,” Meerschaert stated at Wednesday’s media day. “He’s not simply going to shell up. I do know individuals have stated his cardio will get suspect within the later rounds, however even then, it’s not one-way site visitors.
“If I get in his face, he’s going to swing again. He does some respectable work elbowing and throwing huge knees off clinches. He’s robust. He’s matured as a fighter. I’m not going to have the ability to simply shoot, take him down and choke him. He’s stepping into there to win, too.”
Meerschaert isn’t any stranger to defying odds having upset the likes of Makhmud Muradov and Bruno Silva. He finds himself a +240 underdog in response to Wager MGM in opposition to fellow finisher Shahbazyan.
“It’s an excellent combat. It’s a troublesome combat,” Meerschaert stated. “Edmen’s acquired an excellent identify. He’s been within the UFC some time already, and I feel that’s an excellent combat for each of us. Whether or not it’s a fast combat or whether or not it takes to the third spherical, it’s going to be intense both manner as a result of neither of us are recognized for boring fights essentially. So it’ll be thrilling both manner.”
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