Gerald Meerschaert expects 'intense' fight with Edmen Shahbazyan: 'He's not just going to shell up'

LAS VEGAS – Gerald Meerschaert won’t rely on Edmen Shahbazyan slowing down in their fight.

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+) main card opener at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Shahbazyan has been criticized in the past for his cardio, but Meerschaert expects him to bring the fight throughout.

“I know for a fact when the going gets tough, he’s going to fight back,” Meerschaert said at Wednesday’s media day. “He’s not just going to shell up. I know people have said his cardio gets suspect in the later rounds, but even then, it’s not one-way traffic.

“If I get in his face, he’s going to swing back. He does some decent work elbowing and throwing big knees off clinches. He’s tough. He’s matured as a fighter. I’m not going to be able to just shoot, take him down and choke him. He’s going in there to win, too.”

Meerschaert is no stranger to defying odds having upset the likes of Makhmud Muradov and Bruno Silva. He finds himself a +240 underdog according to Bet MGM against fellow finisher Shahbazyan.

“It’s a good fight. It’s a tough fight,” Meerschaert said. “Edmen’s got a good name. He’s been in the UFC a while already, and I think that’s a good fight for both of us. Whether it’s a quick fight or whether it takes to the third round, it’s going to be intense either way because neither of us are known for boring fights necessarily. So it’ll be exciting either way.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 62.