Meerschaert, UFC Finish Leader, Retires After 60 Fights

Gerald Meerschaert took off his gloves and retired after Julius Walker finished him with a barrage of punches from top position at 3:35 of Round 2 at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026. Walker, 27, had already won round one with heavy strikes that drew a 10-8 on one card. The light heavyweight bout at the UFC Apex was Meerschaert's 60th professional fight and sixth consecutive loss. Speaking with Michael Bisping in the Octagon, Meerschaert said he had a good run, set records, and has opportunities to make money for his family, adding he cannot fight forever and will miss performing for fans. At the post-fight press conference he said the choice was mostly between him and his wife, kept close so it would not sway his team, and that he is pretty much done—though he might rethink one more fight if the UFC offered a special matchup on favorable terms. Outlets agree on the finishes record of 12 and a 12-15 UFC mark. EssentiallySports and Heavy list a 37-23-0 career record and sole possession of the middleweight submissions record at 11; MMA Fighting lists 32-23 overall and a tie with Demian Maia at 11 submissions. EssentiallySports alone notes the finishes total passed Anderson Silva's 11.