Middleweight veterans Michal Oleksiejczuk and Gerald Meerschaert will face off at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, with Oleksiejczuk seeking to build on a recent win and Meerschaert aiming to recover from consecutive losses.
Middleweight veterans Michal Oleksiejczuk and Gerald Meerschaert are gearing up for UFC 319. MMA Fighting confirmed the matchup after Oleksiejczuk’s team, Fighting Nerds, announced it on social media.
The pay-per-view event is set for Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago. Exciting stuff!
Oleksiejczuk (20-9, 1 NC) aims to maintain his momentum. He snapped a three-fight losing streak with a first-round knockout over Sedriques Dumas in April. This was his first octagon appearance since joining the Sao Paulo team.
The Polish fighter began his UFC journey as a light heavyweight. Since moving to 185 pounds, he’s gone 4-4. Interestingly, all his middleweight victories have been first-round knockouts against Sam Alvey, Cody Brundage, Chidi Njokuani, and Dumas.
Meerschaert (37-19) is looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to Reinier de Ridder and Brad Tavares. These defeats dropped his promotional record to 12-11.
At 37, Meerschaert holds the record for the most stoppages in UFC middleweight history—12, to be exact. His 100% finishing rate inside the octagon includes 11 submissions and one knockout. Notable victories? Bryan Barberena, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Bruno Silva.
UFC 319 will be headlined by middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. He’ll defend his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Can’t wait!