Highlights! ‘GM3’ Breaks Silva’s Middleweight Record

Gerald Meerschaert broke Anderson Silva’s UFC middleweight finish record earlier tonight (Sat., Aug. 24, 2024) at UFC Vegas 96 LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an incredible comeback submission stoppage over Edmen Shahbazyan.

Meerschaert entered this main card showdown a sizeable underdog to “Golden Boy,” but the veteran fighter usually does his best work when he’s being counted out. After all, Meerschaert came into tonight tied with Silva for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history with 11. “GM3” has actually finished every single one of his UFC fights by knockout or submission.

All of that said, Meerschaert took an absolute beating in this fight. Outside of a few solid shots on the feet, Meerschaert wasn’t doing much. It allowed Shahbazyan to start working his striking and eventually took over the fight. Shahbazyan ended up hurting “GM3” in the second round and had him on the ropes with heavy ground-and-pound. The referee was seconds away from stepping in, but Meerschaert somehow survived.

Later on in the round, Meerschaert was able to score a takedown and drag an exhausted “Golden Boy” to deep water. It took Meerschaert mere seconds to lock up a tight arm-triangle choke. Meerschaert eventually forced the tap and walked away with one his best finishes to date.

Check out the final moments in the above video player.

---

For complete UFC Vegas 96 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.