Kyle Daukaus and Gerald Meerschaert squared off at UFC 322 on Saturday night in a battle of savvy middleweight technicians, a matchup that blended experience, resilience, and two of the division’s most respected grappling arsenals.
Daukaus (16-4) returned to the UFC in August after a two-year run on the regional circuit, earning a TKO win over Michel Pereira. The former CFFC champion entered UFC 322 hoping to keep that momentum rolling against Meerschaert at Madison Square Garden.
Meerschaert (37-20) entered UFC 322 with his back against the wall, stuck in the middle of a three-fight skid. His matchup with Daukaus at Madison Square Garden had the feel of a make-or-break moment for the veteran middleweight’s career.
Round 1 – Daukaus opened the fight with a sharp left hand that slipped through Meerschaert’s high guard. Sensing an opportunity, he blitzed forward with heavy shots that dropped the veteran almost immediately.
Daukaus followed him to the mat, locked up a tight D’Arce choke, and secured a quick tap to end the fight in under a minute.
After a two-year run outside the UFC, Daukaus showed clear improvements and wasted no time asserting them against Meerschaert.
For Meerschaert, this may have been his final appearance, at least in the UFC, but his legacy as one of the promotion’s most seasoned grapplers remains intact.
Daukaus closed the moment by shouting out his wife, who is expecting their next child any day now.
Official Result: Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via R1 SUB (D’Arce), 0:50
