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Gerald Meerschaert has hung up his gloves after failing to secure his first win since 2024.
Meerschaert entered the Meta Apex on Saturday in hopes of handing Julius Walker his third straight defeat, but it wasn’t meant to be. In his light heavyweight return, “GM3” was stopped in the second-round via TKO. Meerschaert took his gloves off after the fight and told UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping that he is calling it a career at 38 (h/t MMAFighting.com).
🚨JUST IN: GERALD MEERSCHAERT ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT AFTER A 60-FIGHT JOURNEY IN THE UFC! 😭💔
🗣️ “I have some good opportunities to make money for my family and make a good living. I’ve had a hell of a time performing for you guys. I can’t think of a better job. I’m gonna…
— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) October 11, 2026
“Yeah, I’ve had a good run, Michael,” Meerschaert said. “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 walks away from the sport with 60 pro MMA bouts on his resume. He has fought the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, Reinier de Ridder, and Joe Pyfer to name a few of his notable past opponents. In his most recent win back in Aug. 2024, Meerschaert submitted Edmen Shahbazyan. It also ended up being his last “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Walker had his back against the wall prior to Saturday’s event. He dropped his last two fights and few would’ve ruled out a pink slip if he had lost to Meerschaert. Now, Walker gets to rest easier while his fallen opponent walks away from pro MMA competition.
What do you make of Gerald Meerschaert retiring from pro MMA competition? Do you agree with the timing or should the decision have been made sooner? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
