5 most explosive moments from UFC Fight Night: Edson Barboza vs. Giga Chikadze

#4. UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert pulls off an excellent comeback against Makhmud Muradov

Gerald Meerschaert pulled off a stirring comeback to beat Makhmud Muradov

Last time UFC fans saw Gerald Meerschaert in action on a main card, he suffered a violent knockout at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev.

Early on last night, it felt like he was heading the same way in his fight with Makhmud Muradov. Meerschaert looked badly outgunned against the Uzbek fighter. He found himself in deep trouble in the first round thanks to Muradov’s wicked striking.

Meerschaert hung in there, arguably using a low blow to slow Muradov down, although he didn’t have a point deducted. In the second round, he pulled off a pretty stirring comeback with his explosive grappling skills.

‘GM3’ began to fire back on the feet, seemingly stunning Muradov with a left hand, and following that with a quick takedown.

From there, with Muradov looking like a fish out of water, Meerschaert quickly snaked onto his back. He wrapping him up a rear-naked choke moments later.

Biggest underdog on the card cashing in the ticket tonight! 🎟 #UFCVegas35 pic.twitter.com/YxBgjSllfM

— UFC (@ufc) August 29, 2021

The win was a huge one for ‘GM3’, and probably saved his UFC career, too. He’s clearly never going to be a UFC middleweight title contender. However, given his finishing rate – he’s got seven UFC wins, all by KO or submission – he’s definitely worth keeping around.

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#3. Dustin Jacoby demonstrates his kickboxing credentials to take out Darren Stewart

Dustin Jacoby's kickboxing was on point in his win over Darren Stewart

Dustin Jacoby isn’t exactly the most well-known UFC fighter. However, ‘The Hanyak’ is one of the more accomplished kickboxers to step into the octagon in recent years.

Jacoby has had major success in the Glory promotion, arguably the world’s biggest when it comes to kickboxing. However, he hadn’t really shown much of his skills in the UFC. That was at least before his win over Darren Stewart last night.

Jacoby didn’t just beat ‘The Dentist’. He absolutely took him apart with some of the best striking we’ve seen in the UFC in a long time.

A left hook-right cross combination was the beginning of the end for Stewart. The native of the UK was clearly hurt by the two shots. While he did swing heavy leather back, it was clear he was outgunned from a technical standpoint.

Jacoby dodged the shots with some incredible poise. He then fired back with pinpoint accuracy until the referee saved ‘The Dentist’ while he was still standing.

One and DONE for @TheHanyakDJ! What a finish!! [ #UFCVegas35 prelims live on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/nY8MPB6oBq

— UFC (@ufc) August 29, 2021

This was an explosive and beautiful finish, and it may well open some eyes when it comes to Jacoby. In his current stint with the UFC, he’s gone 3-0-1 and looks to be getting better and better.