UFC Veteran Retires After 60 Fights Following Punishing TKO Loss
Gerald Meerschaert announced his retirement following a second-round TKO loss to Julius Walker at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday, October 10, ending a 60-fight professional MMA career.
The 38-year-old veteran, known as “GM3,” finished his career with a 37-23 record after spending nearly a decade competing in the UFC. His retirement came following six consecutive defeats, with his final victory dating back to August 2024.
Gerald Meerschaert Announces Retirement Following UFC Vegas 122
Meerschaert’s final appearance came against Walker in a light heavyweight bout. Walker secured the TKO victory at 3:35 of the second round, bringing Meerschaert’s lengthy fighting career to an end.
Following the fight, Meerschaert spoke with Michael Bisping inside the Octagon and reflected on his accomplishments.
“I’ve had a good run Michael. You know, I set a couple records. I did some things,” Meerschaert said during the UFC’s post-fight interview.
He also suggested that moving up to light heavyweight earlier in his career might have been worth considering.
“Maybe 205. I should have done that a little bit earlier, but them boys are big up there.”
Meerschaert then explained that he has opportunities outside fighting to provide for his family.
“Can’t fight forever,” he said.
The veteran ended his retirement speech with an emotional message to the fans.
“Man, I had a hell of a time out here performing for you guys. I can’t think of a better job. I’m gonna miss you.”
Meerschaert Leaves Behind a Historic UFC Submission Legacy
While Meerschaert’s career ended with six consecutive defeats, his accomplishments inside the Octagon tell a different story.
According to UFC Stats, Meerschaert enjoyed one of his strongest stretches in 2021, submitting Bartosz Fabiński, Makhmud Muradov and Dustin Stoltzfus in three consecutive fights.
He continued showcasing his grappling skills with submission victories over Bruno Silva in August 2022 and Bryan Barberena in March 2024.
His final professional victory came on August 24, 2024, when he submitted Edmen Shahbazyan with an arm-triangle choke in the second round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
That victory also gave Meerschaert his 12th UFC middleweight submission win, extending his record for the most submissions in the division’s history.
Meerschaert was particularly dangerous when fights reached the ground, where his experience and submission instincts made him a threat even when opponents appeared to have the advantage.
Although his final six fights did not go his way, his record-setting submission accomplishments and decade-long UFC career leave behind a legacy that extends well beyond his final result.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.