Makhmad Muradov vs. Gerald Meerschaert Odds, Preview and Prediction, (August 28): UFC

Credit: photo by Jeff Bottari/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Odds

Key stats

Preview

The opening fight of the main card comes in the Middleweight division, as the streaking Makhmad Muradov takes on veteran Gerald Meerschaert. Muradov enters this fight on an absurd fourteen fight win streak, with three of those wins coming in the UFC. Muradov has been very impressive of late, as he’s stopped his last two opponents via strikes. Meanwhile, Meerschaert will make his fifteenth walk to the octagon. The longtime mixed martial artist has experienced several high’s and low’s thus far in his tenure. Of late, it’s been a mixed bag.

Prediction

This fight reminds me of a few on the card, where a veteran looks to fend off a young hungry lion. In this instance, I see that being a difficult task. Makhmad Muradov has been problematic during this streak, as his takedown defense, cardio and striking have been on point. Thus far in the UFC, Muradov has shown to be a high output striker, who breaks opponents down with his pace the later the fight goes. The same could be said about Gerald Meerschaert, who welcomes a hard pace due to his ability to outlast his opponents the deeper the fight goes. 

As for a prediction, I have Muradov winning. The Tajikistan born has shown no signs of slowing down, and I don’t see Meerschaert really testing him. Outside of Meerschaert pulling off a crazy submission, he does nothing on the feet that threatens Muradov. In the end, I see Muradov landing often on Meerschaert, eventually putting the veteran away via TKO.

PICK: Makhmud Muradov (-550)

Find more sports picks from the top sports bettors and MMA experts all in one place using our iOS and Google Play apps, as well as our other articles at Kingpin.pro.  We are the home for MMA picks, sports picks and sports betting.