LAS VEGAS – Though he’s had 21 fights within the UFC, Gerald Meerschaert didn’t hesitate when he obtained the decision to struggle promotional newcomer Reinier de Ridder at UFC Battle Evening 247.
De Ridder (17-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) isn’t any peculiar debuting struggle. He’s a former two-division titleholder with ONE Championship, and was a celebrated free agent signing by the matchmakers, who wasted no time throwing him within the deep finish towards middleweight finishes file holder Meerschaert (37-17 MMA, 12-9 UFC) on Saturday’s card on the UFC Apex (ESPN+).
“I feel it’s factor,” Meerschaert advised MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC Battle Evening 247 media day. “I feel much more individuals learn about de Ridder than possibly among the individuals who solely observe UFC give him credit score for. He’s robust. Had loads of belts in ONE FC, in order that’s nothing to shake your head at. It’s enjoyable to be the one to welcome in someone who was a double champ in a unique group as a result of I feel it says so much about me if I can exit and get that end on Saturday.”
With back-to-back wins on his resume, Meerschaert is having fun with the present state of his profession. Like most fighters, his objective is to maneuver up the rankings and into extra related matchups. He’s undecided how a lot beating de Ridder will assist with the previous, however he mentioned he can be demanding the latter if he will get his hand raised.
“I feel a win over de Ridder, if I win impressively sufficient, I feel it may put me at No. 15 (in UFC’s official rankings), but it surely undoubtedly places me within the dialog for combating ranked guys,” Meerschaert mentioned. “Completely. That’s what I’m wanting ahead to. Win on Saturday, I want to struggle somebody ranked or simply give me someone that has a good identify on a giant card. Combating someone excessive within the rating is necessary, however getting eyeballs on you having nice performances is simply as, if no more so necessary.”
Meerschaert admitted he’s as curious as anybody to see what de Ridder is able to on the UFC stage, particularly given his robust grappling abilities. Meerschaert owns probably the most submission victories within the historical past of UFC’s 185-pound weight class, so the matchup on the mat is one he’s eager to dive into.
“I count on him to be at his finest and he’s a really, excellent grappler,” Meerschaert mentioned. “Particularly straight jiu-jitsu model grappling, he’s one of many final guys that actually goes on the market and implements that in his recreation plan. He’s undoubtedly extra within the model of a Gunnar Nelson or Demian Maia, and he’s simply as harmful as both a type of guys.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Battle Evening 247.
Make sure to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.