UFC 322: Kyle Daukaus vs Gerald Meerschaert Preview & Prediction
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Kyle Daukaus returns to face Gerald Meerschaert in middleweight early prelim at UFC 322.
Kyle Daukaus vs Gerald Meerschaert facts
What time are Kyle Daukaus and Gerald Meerschaert expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev? Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 322
What TV channel is UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev main card
Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev (Welterweight)
Valentina Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili (Women’s Flyweight)
Sean Brady vs Michael Morales (Welterweight)
Leon Edwards vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Beneil Dariush vs Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev prelims
Bo Nickal vs Rodolfo Vieira (Middleweight)
Roman Kopylov vs Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight)
Erin Blanchfield vs Tracy Cortez (Women’s Flyweight)
Malcolm Wellmaker vs Ethyn Ewing (Featherweight)
Kyle Daukaus vs Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
Pat Sabatini vs Chepe Mariscal (Featherweight)
Angela Hill vs Fatima Kline (Women’s Strawweight)
Baisangur Susurkaev vs Eric McConico (Middleweight)
Viacheslav Borshchev vs Matheus Camilo (Lightweight)
Gerald Meerschaert: Veteran submission specialist fighting to stay relevant
Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert (37-20) steps into UFC 322 looking to halt a difficult run and remind the middleweight division why he has long been considered one of its most dangerous submission artists. With 29 career submission victories — Meerschaert remains a true grappling threat against anyone willing to engage him on the mat. However, the 36-year-old has struggled against higher-level opposition in recent years, dropping bouts to Michał Oleksiejczuk, Brad Tavares, and Reinier de Ridder.
While Meerschaert’s jiu-jitsu remains elite, the limitations in his overall game have become more apparent. His striking defense has been a persistent issue, often leaving him open to clean, fight-ending shots. Coupled with an increasingly unreliable gas tank, Meerschaert has found himself getting finished more frequently — two stoppage losses in his last three fights. Still, his experience and skill on the ground make him a live submission threat if opponents engage him recklessly.
Kyle Daukaus: Resurgent grappler looking to make a statement
Kyle “The D’Arce Knight” Daukaus (16-4, 1 NC) returns to the UFC riding a five-fight winning streak and carrying more momentum than at any point in his career. A longtime grappling standout, Daukaus has always possessed a slick submission arsenal, but his striking has noticeably evolved — highlighted by his stunning 43-second knockout of Michel Pereira earlier this year. That victory, taken on short notice, showcased a level of power and confidence rarely seen during his first UFC stint.
Daukaus’ recent form paints the picture of a fighter entering his prime: sharper striking, improved physicality, and the same dangerous grappling that made him a standout on the Contender Series. He’s also proven difficult to beat clean, with most of his UFC setbacks coming against high-caliber opponents. Against Meerschaert, Daukaus brings advantages in speed, athleticism, and durability, while still possessing the grappling chops to avoid the veteran’s submission traps.
Gerald Meerschaert vs Kyle Daukaus prediction
This matchup presents a stark contrast between a fading veteran with world-class jiu-jitsu and a surging, more well-rounded grappler entering the best run of his career. Meerschaert remains dangerous on the ground, but his recent performances suggest he struggles against strong grapplers who can neutralize his top-game threats — as seen in his loss to Reinier de Ridder, who controlled him decisively.
On the feet, the gap appears even wider. Daukaus’ knockout of Michel Pereira was a major breakthrough, demonstrating newfound power and confidence. Meerschaert, meanwhile, continues to absorb heavy damage in nearly every outing, often inviting exchanges he cannot afford. With declining durability and slower reactions, he seems increasingly vulnerable to early pressure.
Daukaus should be able to keep this fight standing, dictate the range, and punish Meerschaert’s defensive lapses. Unless Meerschaert forces a wild scramble or catches an opportunistic submission, this matchup strongly favors the younger, faster, and more explosive fighter.
Prediction: Kyle Daukaus to win in round 1
