Two of the UFC’s most dangerous submission specialists collide in a high-stakes middleweight bout at UFC 322, as Kyle “The D’Arce Knight” Daukaus meets veteran finisher Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert.
It’s a classic crossroads matchup. Meerschaert, one of the UFC’s most experienced grapplers with 26 career submissions, enters on a three-fight skid and likely fighting for his roster spot. Daukaus, meanwhile, is surging — riding a three-fight finish streak since returning from a two-year hiatus, including a stunning 43-second KO of Michel Pereira.
Both southpaws are skilled jiu-jitsu technicians, but their approaches differ. Meerschaert thrives in chaos — dragging opponents into scrambles where his slick transitions take over. Daukaus, by contrast, brings a more controlled BJJ style paired with improving striking fundamentals and clinch work.
When two submission specialists square off, it often becomes a striking contest. Expect just that — with heavy grappling feints and a fight that could end at any moment.
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Where To Watch Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert? (November 15, 2025)
| Segment | Platform | Time (ET) |
| Early Prelims | UFC Fight Pass | 6:00 PM |
| Prelims | ESPN / ESPN+ | 8:00 PM |
| Main Card | ESPN+ PPV | 10:00 PM |
💰 Betting Odds
| Fighter | Moneyline | Implied Win % |
| Kyle Daukaus | −350 | 77.8 % |
| Gerald Meerschaert | +270 | 27.0 % |
Best Value Angles
- Daukaus by KO/TKO (+300) — hot streak of early stoppages
- Fight Ends Inside Distance (−210) — both are finishers
- Meerschaert by Submission (+550) — always a live threat
📊 Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Gerald Meerschaert | Kyle Daukaus |
| Record | 37–20 | 16–4 (1 NC) |
| Age | 37 | 32 |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 6’2″ (191 cm) |
| Reach | 77.5″ (197 cm) | 76″ (193 cm) |
| Stance | Southpaw | Southpaw |
| Style | BJJ / Grappler | Grappler / Clinch Boxer |
| Gym | Kill Cliff FC | Martinez BJJ |
| UFC Rank | #41 | #22 |
🧠 Fighter Breakdowns
🧩 Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert (37–20, Kill Cliff FC)
Few fighters in UFC history have as many submission wins as Gerald Meerschaert. The Milwaukee veteran has been the definition of grit — often counted out, yet always dangerous once the fight hits the mat.
GM3’s resume includes wins over the likes of Bruno Silva, Makhmud Muradov, and Bartosz Fabinski, all via submission. His ground game remains elite, with fluid transitions and a remarkable knack for finishing even from defensive positions.
However, his recent decline has been steep. He’s lost three straight, all by knockout, and questions about his durability have intensified. Meerschaert still averages nearly 2 takedowns per 15 minutes, but at just 30% accuracy, his wrestling struggles to set up his submission offense against stronger opponents.
Strengths:
- High-level jiu-jitsu; 26 submission wins
- Veteran composure in chaotic scrambles
- Long reach and deceptive power in left hand
Weaknesses:
- Declining chin; susceptible to early knockouts
- Poor takedown accuracy (30%)
- Slow starts; often takes damage before finding rhythm
⚔️ Kyle “The D’Arce Knight” Daukaus (16–4, Martinez BJJ)
After a two-year stint outside the UFC, Kyle Daukaus returned in spectacular fashion — blasting Michel Pereira in under a minute and reminding fans why his grappling pedigree and composure made him a top prospect in 2021.
At 6’2″ with a long frame and crisp southpaw stance, Daukaus blends his BJJ black belt base with sharp elbows and knees in the clinch. His nickname, “The D’Arce Knight,” says it all — the D’Arce choke is his signature move, and he attacks it from scrambles, front headlocks, and transitions.
Over his last three fights, Daukaus has showcased a new level of composure. He’s improved defensively (82% takedown defense) and started using his jab and clinch control to dictate range. With 11 career submissions and 3 KOs, he’s now a balanced finisher.
Strengths:
- Excellent submission transitions (1.9 subs / 15 min)
- 82% takedown defense
- Southpaw striking with clean counters
- Patience under pressure
Weaknesses:
- Limited knockout power
- Sometimes over-relies on grappling control
- Susceptible to body shots in exchanges
📈 Advanced Stats Snapshot
| Metric | Meerschaert | Daukaus |
| Significant Strikes Landed/Min | 3.02 | 3.25 |
| Striking Accuracy | 45% | 53% |
| Strikes Absorbed/Min | 3.49 | 2.93 |
| Striking Defense | 53% | 42% |
| Takedowns/15 min | 1.83 | 2.11 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 30% | 25% |
| Takedown Defense | 42% | 82% |
| Sub Attempts/15 min | 1.4 | 1.9 |
🧩 Tactical Breakdown
This is a grappler’s chess match — but only one player has the durability left to play.
Meerschaert’s Path: Pull Daukaus into deep water, survive the early flurries, and hunt a late submission. GM3’s best moments often come when opponents get overconfident on the ground.
Daukaus’ Path: Keep it clean early, strike from range, and punish Meerschaert’s slow reactions. Expect him to use his jab, frame in the clinch, and look for front chokes when Gerald shoots.
The biggest variable: Meerschaert’s chin. His last three losses came inside a round, and Daukaus has rediscovered finishing power in his left cross and knees.
💣 Betting & Prop Analysis
| Market | Pick | Odds Range | Rationale |
| Fight Ends Inside Distance | ✅ | −210 | Both have elite finishing instincts |
| Daukaus by KO/TKO | ✅ | +300 | Meerschaert’s declining durability |
| Daukaus by Submission | ⚠️ | +250 | Possible if Meerschaert shoots recklessly |
| Meerschaert by Sub | 🔥 | +550 | Always live; GM3’s only clear win condition |
| Under 2.5 Rounds | ✅ | −185 | Fast starter vs slow starter = early finish risk |
🧠 X-Factors
- Durability Gap: Meerschaert’s chin is fading; Daukaus has proven he can deliver clean power shots.
- Momentum: Daukaus 3-fight win streak vs GM3’s 3 straight losses.
- Experience Edge: 57 pro fights for Meerschaert — but that mileage cuts both ways.
- Submission Defense: Daukaus’ 82% takedown defense may keep him out of GM3’s world.
🔮 Final Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert Prediction
| Pick | Winner | Method | Round | Confidence |
| ✅ Kyle Daukaus | def. Gerald Meerschaert | KO/TKO | Round 1 | 8.5 / 10 |
Summary:
Gerald Meerschaert remains one of the division’s most dangerous submission artists, but time has caught up. Daukaus’ renewed form, sharper striking, and improved composure make him a bad stylistic matchup. Expect a composed start from Daukaus, a quick read on Meerschaert’s timing, and a violent finish by elbows or a left straight.
If Meerschaert survives the first round, he might drag it into scrappy territory — but history suggests that’s unlikely.
Final Verdict: Kyle Daukaus via 1st-Round KO