A middleweight bout between Gerald Meerschaert and Reinier de Ridder will serve as the co-main event of UFC Vegas 100 later this evening (Nov. 9) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Meerschaert's (37-17) run at the promotion has been largely mediocre. He is 3-2 in his last five, but is currently on a two-fight win streak, most recently registering a second-round submission over Edmen Shahbazyan.
In the other half of the event, de Ridder (17-2) is a former ONE Championship two-division champion, having held the middle and light heavyweight titles. He too is 3-2 in his last five.
This weekend's event will mark 'The Dutch Knight's' promotional debut. In press conferences leading up to the event, he stated his desire to finish 'GM3' in the fight.
De Ridder is a -310 favorite over Meerschaert (+250 underdog) for the match-up. The main card of the event is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Check out the full fight card face-offs below:
UFC Vegas 100: Gerald Meerschaert vs. Reinier de Ridder
Round 1
De Ridder is leading the action on the feet using teep kicks to put Meerschaert on the back foot. 'GM3' stuns his opponent with a straight punches. De Ridder forces a takedown, but 'GM3' reverses position and gets back to his feet.
De Ridder incurs multiple head strikes. He tries to force another takedown but fails. 'The Dutch Knight' uses quick jabs to keep his opponent at bay. De Ridder forces another takedown but fails to make anything out of it.
Another level change attempt by the Dutch national, but 'GM3' defends it this time. Meercheart stings his opponent with an elbow. 'The Dutch Knight' puts 'GM3' down on the canvas with a powerful elbow followed by a quick one-two.
Our score: 10-9 De Ridder.
Round 2
As the second round unfolds, de Ridder still seems committed to forcing a takedown. He gets it and is now weighing heavy on top of his opponent. 'The Dutch Knight' is trying to pass his opponent's guard.
'GM3' finds his way back to the feat, de Ridder attempts a trip, fails, and gives up top control to Meerschaert. The former ONE championship two-division champion is trying to isolate 'GM3's' right arm to set up an arm bar.
De Ridder kicks Meerschaert off him, and gets back to his feet, before taking his opponent down.
Our score: 10-9 Meerschaert.
Round 3
Meerschaert comes out swinging, and tries to take down de Ridder, but is unsuccessful in getting the Dutchman to the ground. 'The Dutch Knight' attempts a guillotine but fails to secure it.
De Ridder now has full mount. He locks in a head and arm choke, forcing a tap out of Meerschaert. De Ridder is the victor.
Official Result: Reinier de Ridder def. Gerald Meerschaert via submission. (head-and-arm choke) (1:44 of Round 3)
Check out Reinier de Ridder's win below: