Meerschaert vs. Oleksiejczuk UFC 319 Prelims Picks
This The last time the UFC was in Chicago was June 2019 for UFC 238. Henry Cejudo faced Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight title. That tells you how long ago it was in the MMA world. Both fighters have fallen from the top to give rise to the new era of fighters.
UFC 319 brings the return of Khamzat Chimaev, who will challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title. It is one of the most anticipated fights of the year, and comes along with a stacked card. The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. EDT, the prelims at 8 p.m., and the main card at 10 p.m. on pay-per-view. Here are my top UFC 319 prelims picks for Meerschaert vs. Oleksiejczuk.
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UFC 319 Prelims Picks: Meerschaert vs. Oleksiejczuk
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Gerald Meerschaert is fighting Michal Oleksiejczuk, who is notoriously bad at jiu-jitsu. He has lost via submission five times in the UFC, while Meerschaert has 21 submission victories in the UFC alone (29 as a pro).
Oleksiejczuk must defend takedowns in this matchup, or he is going to get submitted. He only defends 48% of takedowns in the UFC, while Meerschaert averages 1.86 takedowns landed per 15 minutes.
Oleksiejczuk is a good boxer and capable of finishing Meerschaert on the feet. Meerschaert is known as a grappler and is willing to take a beating before winning by submission. His jiu-jitsu skills are elite, and Oleksiejczuk is going to struggle on the mat. It is a great spot to bet the underdog.
Pick: Gerald Meerschaert Moneyline (+195)