Gerald Meerschaert made history in the UFC by achieving his 12th finish in the octagon with a submission victory over Edmen Shahbazyan. This win not only earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus but also placed him ahead of UFC legend Anderson Silva for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history. Despite this significant milestone, Meerschaert remains focused on enhancing his record with more UFC victories in the future.
While acknowledging the importance of his accomplishment, Meerschaert stressed that he is far from done and is not ready to become complacent. He described the record as a nice achievement to have but emphasized his commitment to taking each fight as it comes and maintaining a high level of performance.
During his bout with Shahbazyan, Meerschaert faced adversity after being knocked down by a shot and enduring a barrage of punches on the ground. However, he displayed resilience and staged a remarkable comeback to secure a submission victory. Meerschaert highlighted his ability to withstand adversity and his unwavering determination as crucial elements in his success.
Though he prefers dominant wins like his previous triumph over Bryan Barberena, Meerschaert recognizes the significance of resilience and determination when facing formidable opponents. He commended his opponent’s skills but expressed confidence in his capability to find a path to victory as long as he remains conscious.
Meerschaert expressed appreciation to referee Mark Smith for providing him with the opportunity to recover and mount a comeback in the fight. While acknowledging the challenges of such situations, he credited his experience and mindset for enabling him to conquer adversity and emerge victorious.
Overall, Meerschaert considers his latest win and bonus at UFC Vegas 96 a triumph, despite the hardships he encountered during the fight. He believes that his endurance and fighting spirit distinguish him from his peers and are essential qualities in his success as a UFC athlete.
