After a grueling, hard-fought journey spanning six decades of mixed martial arts, 60 professional bouts, and nearly a decade inside the premier organization in the sport, Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert has officially decided to hang up his gloves.
The veteran middleweight’s storied chapter in professional fighting came to a close on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 122. Competing in the featured prelim main event against Julius Walker, Meerschaert walked to the Octagon for the 60th time in his career and his 27th appearance under the UFC banner. Unfortunately for the beloved veteran, the fairytale ending eluded him, as Walker secured a decisive second-round TKO victory, cementing an abrupt and definitive end to an era.
From the opening bell, the writing was on the wall for Meerschaert as he found himself overmatched by Walker’s dynamic and relentless striking. Walker immediately established his dominance, landing clean, heavy shots that overwhelmed the seasoned veteran. The onslaught was so dominant that one judge awarded Walker a rare and decisive 10-8 score for the opening frame.
As the bout bled into the second round, it quickly became a question of survival rather than victory. Walker maintained suffocating pressure, refusing to allow Meerschaert any room to breathe or implement his grappling-heavy style. Ultimately, Walker trapped Meerschaert in a dominant top position, unleashing a flurry of unanswered strikes that forced the referee to step in and halt the contest, bringing a definitive close to the matchup.
The loss marked Meerschaert’s sixth consecutive defeat inside the Octagon, a sobering indicator for any athlete that the time to walk away has arrived. Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of the night, however, the veteran chose to embrace the moment with grace and dignity. As the dust settled in the arena, Meerschaert unbuckled his gloves, placed them carefully on the canvas, and delivered an emotional farewell address to the combat sports world alongside color commentator Michael Bisping.
“Yeah, I’ve had a good run, Michael,” Meerschaert reflected during his post-fight interview in the Octagon, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “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’s retirement closes the book on one of the most durable and reliable careers in modern MMA history. He leaves the sport with an impressive overall professional record of 32-23, showcasing a lifetime of dedication to a brutal discipline. Within the walls of the UFC, he compiled a respected 12-15 record, regularly stepping up to face dangerous contenders, rising prospects, and elite grapplers without hesitation.
Beyond the win-loss columns and the challenges of fighting the best athletes in the world, Meerschaert leaves behind a legacy defined by elite finishing ability and historical milestones within the UFC’s talent-rich middleweight division. He retires holding the record for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history, having put away 12 opponents inside the distance through sheer persistence, technical savvy, and relentless submission skill. Additionally, his name is permanently etched in the promotion’s record books alongside legendary grappler Demian Maia, as Meerschaert is tied with Maia for the most submission wins in UFC middleweight history, with 11 victories secured by tapout.
For years, “GM3” was known as a quintessential litmus test for the 185-pound division—a savvy veteran who could test the grappling chops of any rising star and punish anyone who took him lightly on the ground. His ability to snatch victories from the jaws of defeat through late-round submissions became a hallmark of his career, earning him the respect of his peers, coaches, and hardcore fans alike.
As Meerschaert steps away from the bright lights of the Octagon, he transitions into a well-earned retirement focused on family, new business ventures, and life beyond the cage. Though the final chapter ended in defeat, his contributions to the sport and the middleweight division will endure, leaving behind a legacy of toughness, resilience, and sportsmanship that few fighters ever manage to achieve over a 60-fight career.
