Kicking off the UFC Vegas 96 main card on Saturday was a clash of styles, as “GM3,” Gerald Meerschaert, was the grappler in question against striker Edmen Shahbazyan.
The younger, faster fighter in Shahbazyan showed Meerschaert ample respect in the early going, but nearly caught a kick after it crashed into his body in the opening minute. Edmen in turn walked Meerschaert down, and found a home for a couple of his punches. After trading leg kicks, Meerschaert changed levels for a takedown, which Shahbazyan fought off. Shahbazyan landed a couple more times, including to the body, though Meerschaert did find a home for his left.
Shahbazyan continued to target the body as the midway mark of round one arrives. A head kick then snuck upstairs, which GM3 just barely blocked. The impact alone sounded like a baseball bat connecting. Meerschaert, however, appeared unfazed.
Round two saw another shot from Meerschaert stuffed, followed by a body shot by Shahbazyan plus a knee that shut down the veteran momentarily. He went down, with Shahbazyan getting on top, raining down ground n’ pound. Elbows and punches flowed with the ref ordering Meerschaert, covering up, to do something; he did just enough to prevent the stoppage, though Shahbazyan remained on top.
The question of whether Shahbazyan might have gassed out was answered when Meerschaert managed to reverse and get on top. Moments later, he had an arm-triangle choke wrapped up tight, and Edmen, in clear discomfort, was forced to tap!
The victory saw Meerschaert take sole possession of the UFC middleweight submissions record, surpassing Anderson Silva.
Official Result: Gerald Meerschaert def. Edmen Shahbazyan by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 4:12
