Gerald Meerschaert Retires From MMA Following UFC Vegas 122 Loss

Longtime UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a stoppage loss at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday night. Competing in his 60th career professional bout and 27th inside the Octagon, Meerschaert faced Julius Walker in the preliminary card headliner but was unable to turn back his opponent's relentless attack.

Walker established dominance early in the contest, overwhelming Meerschaert with strikes on the feet and earning a 10-8 score from one cageside judge in the opening frame. The pressure continued into the second round, where Walker finished Meerschaert with strikes from top position to seal the victory. The defeat marked Meerschaert's sixth consecutive loss inside the Octagon.

Following the fight, Meerschaert took off his gloves in the cage to signify the end of his fighting career. "I set a couple records and did some things," Meerschaert said. "Maybe 205, I should’ve done that a little bit earlier, but them boys are big up there.

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’m gonna miss you."

Meerschaert officially retires with a career record of 32-23, including a 12-15 ledger under the UFC banner. Despite the recent skid, he leaves behind a notable legacy, holding the record for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history (12) and sharing the divisional record for most submission victories (11) with Demian Maia.