UFC 322: Daukaus vs. Meerschaert delivers a high-level grappling showcase on November 15, 2025, as returning submission technician Kyle Daukaus meets record-setting finisher Gerald Meerschaert. Both fighters are known for their dangerous chokes and ability to reverse momentum in an instant, making this a must-watch matchup for fans of technical ground fighting.
Kyle Daukaus
Kyle Daukaus (16–4, 1 NC) is a submission specialist known for his length, positional control, and signature d’arce and brabo chokes. After rebuilding outside the promotion and recapturing the CFFC Middleweight title, Daukaus made a triumphant return to the UFC with a violent first-round knockout against Michel Pereira in August 2025. He brings a calculated but aggressive grappling style along with steadily improving striking that has added legitimate knockout threat to his game. Daukaus excels when he is forcing clinch exchanges, chaining takedown attempts, and turning scrambles into submission traps.
Kyle Daukaus – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Michel Pereira – KO (Punches and Elbows), UFC Fight Night, Aug 23, 2025
* Win vs. Keanan Patershuk – KO (Punches), CFFC 132, Jun 14, 2024
* Win vs. Sean Connor Fallon – Submission (Brabo Choke), CFFC 129, Feb 9, 2024
* Win vs. Gregg Ellis – Decision (Unanimous), CFFC 124, Sep 2, 2023
* Win vs. Robert Gidron – Submission (Rear Naked Choke), CFFC 120, Jun 16, 2023
Keys: Daukaus needs to push the pace early and turn this into a scramble-heavy fight. His best chances come when he can initiate grappling and attack transitions with his signature choke entries. If he builds top pressure and forces Meerschaert to defend repeatedly, the finish becomes far more likely.
Gerald Meerschaert
Gerald Meerschaert (37–20) remains one of the most dangerous grapplers in UFC middleweight history and holds the division’s records for submissions and overall finishes. With a deep arsenal that includes guillotines, arm triangles, and opportunistic back takes, Meerschaert is a threat from every position. His recent skid includes losses to Michał Oleksiejczuk and Brad Tavares, but he continues to show that one mistake can cost any opponent the fight. Notable comeback wins against Edmen Shahbazyan and Bryan Barberena highlight his resilience and fight IQ.
Gerald Meerschaert – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk – TKO (Punches), UFC 319, Aug 16, 2025
* Loss vs. Brad Tavares – Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 65, Apr 5, 2025
* Loss vs. Reinier de Ridder – Submission (Arm Triangle Choke), UFC Fight Night, Nov 9, 2024
* Win vs. Edmen Shahbazyan – Submission (Arm Triangle Choke), UFC on ESPN, Aug 24, 2024
* Win vs. Bryan Barberena – Technical Submission (Face Crank), UFC Fight Night, Mar 16, 2024
Keys: Meerschaert thrives in long, scrappy grappling battles. If he can slow Daukaus down, survive the early storm, and turn the fight into a more methodical ground exchange, his veteran savvy becomes a major factor. The longer the fight goes, the more dangerous Meerschaert typically becomes.
Fight Breakdown
This is a rare stylistic meeting where both fighters actively want the same fight. Daukaus brings youth, momentum, sharper athleticism, and more explosive entries. Meerschaert brings deep experience and the ability to capitalize on the smallest mistakes. Expect immediate grappling engagement, frequent submission attempts, and constant jockeying for hand control and head position. The biggest variable is whether Meerschaert can extend the fight long enough to shift momentum in his favor.
Prediction
Daukaus enters with confidence and a renewed skill set after dominating outside the UFC. His early pace, strength in transitions, and finishing instinct match up well with Meerschaert, who has shown declining durability in recent outings. Meerschaert is always live for a comeback, but Daukaus appears to be peaking at the right time.
Prediction: Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via Submission (Round 2)
A statement win would put Daukaus back on track toward ranked competition, while a Meerschaert upset would solidify his status as the division’s most reliable spoiler.