Gerald Meerschaert retires after sixth straight loss ends 60-fight MMA career

Gerald Meerschaert retired from MMA on Saturday night after Julius Walker stopped him with ground-and-pound strikes in the second round of their middleweight bout at UFC Vegas 122, ending a career that spanned 60 fights and 27 UFC appearances.

Walker dominated from the opening bell, landing strikes with enough authority that one judge scored the first round 10-8. The pattern continued into the second, where Walker maintained relentless pressure before finishing Meerschaert from the top position. The defeat was Meerschaert’s sixth consecutive loss.

In a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Meerschaert removed his gloves and delivered a composed farewell. “I’ve had a good run,” he said. “I set a couple records and did some things. Maybe 205, I should’ve done that a little bit earlier, but them boys are big up there. Can’t fight forever. I’ve got some good opportunities to make money for my family, make a good living. Man, I had a hell of a time to come out here and perform for you guys. I can’t think of a better job. I’m gonna miss you.”

Meerschaert finishes his career with an overall record of 32-23, going 12-15 inside the UFC. Despite that win-loss ledger, his legacy in the middleweight division is cemented by two significant records: he holds the all-time mark for most finishes in UFC middleweight history with 12, and is tied with Demian Maia for the most submission victories at 185 pounds with 11.

The 36-year-old had been a fixture in the UFC’s middleweight division for nearly a decade, known for his submission grappling and a willingness to take on all comers. Saturday’s result, while a difficult ending, came with the clarity of a fighter who knew the moment had arrived.