On April 5, 2025, UFC on ESPN 65 features a compelling middleweight bout between Brad Tavares and Gerald Meerschaert. Both fighters bring a wealth of experience and distinct styles to the Octagon, promising an engaging main card bout. Here, we break down Brad Tavares vs Gerald Meerschaert and make our prediction for this matchup from the UFC Apex.
Brad Tavares vs Gerald Meerschaert Preview
Brad Tavares, a seasoned UFC middleweight, holds a professional record of 20 wins and 11 losses. But Tavares has been struggling of late, losing four of his last five bouts. That includes two losses in two fights in 2024, a year in which he lost to Gregory Rodrigues by knockout and JunYong Park by decision. Here, Tavares will look to get back into the win column against a fellow 37-year-old fighter in Meerschaert.
Gerald Meerschaert, known for his submission prowess, boasts the most finishes in UFC middleweight history with 12. His professional record includes 37 wins, with an impressive 29 by submission, highlighting his grappling expertise. Recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows; he secured a submission win against Bryan Barberena on March 16, 2024, and another against Edmen Shahbazyan on August 24, 2024, surpassing Anderson Silva’s finish record in the division. However, he faced a setback with a submission loss to Reinier de Ridder on November 9, 2024.
Betting Insights
As the fight approaches, Sportzino has released the following betting odds:
- Moneyline: Brad Tavares -250, Gerald Meerschaert +200
- Over/Under Rounds: 2.5 rounds, with the over at -200 and the under at +150
These odds reflect Tavares as a slight favorite going into this fight, while acknowledging Meerschaert’s submission capabilities.
Brad Tavares vs Gerald Meerschaert Prediction
Under 2.5 Rounds (+150)
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Meerschaert has the submission capability needed to end this fight before the end of the third round.
- Meerschaert has also proven that he is vulnerable to getting finished as well.
This matchup pits Tavares’s striking and defensive resilience against Meerschaert’s aggressive submission game. Tavares’s ability to control the pace and keep the fight standing will be crucial. His track record suggests he can withstand grappling exchanges and avoid submission attempts.
Meerschaert’s path to victory likely involves closing the distance and bringing the fight to the ground, where he can leverage his submission skills. However, Tavares’s takedown defense and experience against high-level grapplers may neutralize this strategy.
Considering both fighters’ recent performances and skill sets, the bout is expected to be closely contested. Tavares’s consistency and defensive capabilities give him a slight edge, potentially leading to a victory by decision. Bettors might find value in wagering on Tavares to win by decision at +120, while those favoring an upset could consider Meerschaert by submission at +200.
