Preview: UFC 287 Prelims

Middleweights

Joseph Pyfer (10-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (35-15, 10-7 UFC)

ODDS: Pyfer (-190), Meerschaert (+160)

Meerschaert already had nearly a decade of experience under his belt prior to his UFC debut in 2016, but he has still managed to improve and look as good as ever during his time with the promotion. Meerschaert was once purely a grimy grinder, but he has supplemented that with a solid enough striking game to try and outlast his opposition in advance of finding a submission finish. Meerschaert still does occasionally get blasted by an opponent with a clear athletic advantage, but he has managed to win four of his last five bouts, including a surprisingly one-sided win over standout striker Bruno Silva in August. Meerschaert is back on prospect-testing duty against Pyfer, who has shown enough to be interesting thus far. Pyfer’s first shot at a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series was an absolute disaster back in 2020, as “Bodybagz” broke his arm bracing himself for a slam before his fight ever really got out of first gear. However, he has rebounded well and proven to be a solidly well-rounded fighter with some brutal knockout power, as evidenced by his current three-fight knockout streak. This could go either way, but the bet is that Pyfer can survive enough trouble early to close the show before Meerschaert can fully drag him into deeper waters and get his grappling going. The pick is Pyfer via first-round knockout.

Jump To »
Curtis vs. Gastelum
Pinheiro vs. Waterson-Gomez
Pyfer vs. Meerschaert
Williams vs. Sherman
Godinez vs. Calvillo
Bahamondes vs. Ogden
Nuerdanbieke vs. Garcia
Amorim vs. Hughes