TLDR
- Gerald Meerschaert announced his retirement after losing to Julius Walker at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026
- Walker stopped Meerschaert at 3:35 of the second round with ground-and-pound strikes
- Walker dominated the fight with multiple takedowns and controlled Meerschaert from top position
- Meerschaert was a longtime UFC middleweight known for his submission skills and durability
- The 38-year-old veteran made his retirement announcement immediately following the fight
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | sherdog.com
Gerald Meerschaert announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a second-round TKO loss to Julius Walker at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026. The veteran middleweight known as “GM3” was stopped at 3:35 of the second round after absorbing sustained ground-and-pound from his opponent.
Walker controlled the fight from the opening bell, utilizing his wrestling skills to take Meerschaert down multiple times throughout the bout. Once on the ground, Walker patiently worked from top position, landing dozens of punches and elbows that eventually forced the referee to stop the contest.
🚨JUST IN: GERALD MEERSCHAERT ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT AFTER A 60-FIGHT JOURNEY IN THE UFC! 😭💔
🗣️ “I have some good opportunities to make money for my family and make a good living. I've had a hell of a time performing for you guys. I can't think of a better job. I'm gonna…
— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) October 11, 2026
The loss marked the end of a long career for Meerschaert, who has been competing in professional MMA for over a decade. He made his announcement shortly after the fight concluded at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Dominant Performance by Julius Walker
Walker, nicknamed “Juicebox,” showcased superior grappling throughout the fight. He repeatedly brought Meerschaert to the canvas and maintained dominant positions while inflicting damage.
The finish came in the second round after Walker continued his methodical attack from top control. The referee stepped in at the 3:35 mark to protect Meerschaert from further punishment.
Walker’s victory demonstrated his ability to implement a clear game plan and execute it against an experienced opponent. The win adds another stoppage to his professional record.
The End of GM3’s Career
Meerschaert has been a fixture in the UFC’s middleweight division for years. He built a reputation as a dangerous submission specialist and a willing opponent who would fight anyone.
Throughout his career, Meerschaert competed against numerous top contenders in the 185-pound weight class. He was known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and his ability to finish fights by submission.
The veteran fighter earned multiple performance bonuses during his UFC tenure. His willingness to accept short-notice fights made him a valuable roster member for the promotion.
Meerschaert’s fighting style featured aggressive submission hunting and a willingness to take risks. He secured several highlight-reel finishes throughout his time in the octagon.
The 38-year-old fighter chose to retire immediately after the loss rather than continue his career. His decision came in the immediate aftermath of the fight on October 10.
Walker celebrated his victory on social media, with the UFC sharing video highlights of the finish. The stoppage came after sustained ground strikes left Meerschaert unable to defend himself effectively.
Meerschaert leaves the sport after competing at the highest level for many years. His final fight took place at the UFC Apex facility, which has hosted numerous UFC Vegas events since 2020.
The retirement announcement was confirmed by multiple MMA media outlets on October 11, 2026. Meerschaert did not indicate any specific plans for his post-fighting career at the time of the announcement.
