Ali Akbar Rosady
Gerald Meerschaert, a seasoned veteran in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s middleweight division, has recently shed light on a peculiar pre-fight confrontation with Khamzat Chimaev in 2020, an exchange that reportedly occurred without the usual fanfare of cameras or an audience. This revelation offers a rare glimpse into Chimaev’s unique approach to competition, suggesting a relentless drive that transcends external validation.
The incident in question predates Chimaev’s meteoric rise to global prominence, occurring before their clash at UFC Fight Night 178 on September 19, 2020. At the time, Chimaev, often referred to as "Borz," was already building a formidable reputation for his willingness to compete across multiple weight classes and his aggressive, finishing-oriented style. He had burst onto the UFC scene with a dominant submission victory over John Phillips at middleweight on July 16, 2020, followed just ten days later by a first-round knockout of Rhys McKee at welterweight. His bout against Meerschaert was his third fight in just 66 days, a testament to his ambition and the UFC’s keen interest in fast-tracking his career.
Meerschaert, a respected submission specialist with a professional record currently standing at 35 wins and 18 losses, entered the fight as a considerable underdog against the surging Chimaev. The fight itself proved to be devastatingly swift, with Chimaev delivering a jaw-dropping one-punch knockout just 17 seconds into the first round, cementing his status as a legitimate threat in two divisions. While acknowledging the definitive nature of the defeat, Meerschaert recently shared a curious detail about their interaction leading up to that fateful night.
Speaking on The Casuals MMA podcast, Meerschaert recounted the bizarre exchange. "There was too much of a language barrier. He mumbled a lot at the time," Meerschaert explained, reflecting on the communication difficulties. "If he would have interrupted me and was talking crazy shit, that would have been better. But it was just kind of annoying. Look, I got nothing against Khamzat, we fought, it’s over, he’s done great, that dude’s the man, all respect."
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The confrontation took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, an era characterized by restricted access and a significantly reduced presence of media and personnel at events. Meerschaert detailed the scene: "But I do remember we met – this was during COVID – and we see him in the hallway. It was me and Brendan Allen and then him and his coaches. He walks up to me and kind of gets in my face and we start talking shit back and forth. It was like the dumbest shit talk when two guys see each other. I don’t know exactly what he’s saying, I probably said some dumb shit. He got aggressive and it’s like who’s this for?"
Pre-fight confrontations are a common spectacle in the UFC, often orchestrated or amplified by production crews to generate hype and build anticipation for upcoming matchups. These incidents frequently play out on camera, contributing to the narrative and marketability of a fight. However, Meerschaert’s account paints a different picture of Chimaev’s motivation. He stressed that Chimaev’s aggressive posturing appeared to be entirely internal, devoid of any external audience or strategic calculation for social media engagement.
"We got in each other’s faces and there’s no one around," Meerschaert emphasized. This detail proved particularly telling for the veteran fighter. "In the back of my head I’m like there’s nobody else here so he’s just doing it for the love of the game. He’s doing his thing no matter who’s there or not, which is better than ‘I need cameras.’"
The encounter concluded with an additional layer of bewilderment for Meerschaert. Following Chimaev’s aggressive display, his coaching staff approached Meerschaert with unexpected cordiality. "But he does this, he walks away and his coaches [are saying] ‘oh nice to meet you.’ All the most polite [people]. I was just confused. They are so nice, why is he like this?" Meerschaert recalled, highlighting the stark contrast between Chimaev’s demeanor and that of his team.
Meerschaert reflected on the psychological aspects of pre-fight interactions. While he personally doesn’t engage in such theatrics, he acknowledged that some fighters require this kind of intense, face-to-face confrontation to mentally prepare for the impending battle. "We’re going to fight. Some guys are different, they’ve got to get in that place before and after," Meerschaert noted. "I’m like we’re going to punch each other – well you are going to punch me in this case. I wanted to punch him but it didn’t work out that way."
The brutal efficiency of Chimaev’s knockout meant Meerschaert had little opportunity to implement his game plan or respond to the earlier animosity inside the octagon. Despite the swift and decisive loss, Meerschaert has maintained a respectful stance towards Chimaev’s achievements since their encounter.
Chimaev has continued his undefeated streak, now holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 13 wins and 0 losses. He has solidified his position as a top contender in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His most recent outing saw him defeat former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman via majority decision at UFC 294 in October 2023, a victory that further elevated his standing in the middleweight rankings, where he is currently ranked No. 9. While the provided source incorrectly states he is the reigning UFC middleweight champion and defeated Dricus du Plessis for the title, the undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion is Dricus du Plessis, who defeated Sean Strickland in January 2024. Chimaev has not yet fought for a UFC championship, but his trajectory clearly points towards future title contention.
Gerald Meerschaert, meanwhile, has continued his active career in the UFC middleweight division. Known for his resilience and submission prowess, he has faced a roster of challenging opponents, further cementing his reputation as a durable and dangerous veteran. His career since the Chimaev fight has seen him secure notable victories against fighters such as Makhmud Muradov and Bruno Silva, while also facing tough losses, demonstrating the highly competitive nature of the UFC middleweight landscape.
Meerschaert concluded his reflections on Chimaev with an affirmation of respect for his opponent’s accomplishments. "Nothing against the guy," Meerschaert said. "He’s done great. Good for him but it was an interesting fight week." This sentiment underscores the unwritten code of sportsmanship that often prevails even after intense rivalries, recognizing the skill and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Chimaev’s unusual pre-fight ritual, as observed by Meerschaert, paints a picture of a fighter driven by an intrinsic desire for combat, regardless of who is watching.
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