MMA Match Preview: Kyle Daukaus (16-4-1) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (37-20)

Venue & Timing

Event: UFC 322

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Bell Time: Prelim card, walkouts expected around 3:00 PM ET

Broadcast: ESPN+ (USA), TNT Sports (UK)

Injury Report

Kyle Daukaus: No reported injuries; cleared after his first-round win over Michel Pereira earlier in 2025.

Gerald Meerschaert: No reported injuries; fully cleared, though historically has battled cardio issues in long fights.

Fighter Matchups

Kyle Daukaus

Style: Pressure-heavy wrestler with opportunistic submissions.

Strengths: Clinch control, positional grappling, durability.

Weaknesses: Striking defense, vulnerable to power punchers.

Gerald Meerschaert:

Style: Veteran grappler, submission specialist.

Strengths: 27 career submission wins, crafty mat work, experience.

Weaknesses: Susceptible to early knockouts, slower striking pace.

Recent Form

Daukaus:

Win vs. Michel Pereira (R1 submission, 2025).

Rebuilt momentum after UFC release in 2023, now back with two straight wins.

Meerschaert:

Alternating wins and losses in last six fights.

Win vs. Bruno Silva (submission, 2024).

Loss vs. Joe Pyfer (KO, 2024).

Fight History Context

First meeting between Daukaus and Meerschaert.

Both fighters known for grappling-heavy styles, making this a potential ground battle.

Meerschaert is considered a “gatekeeper” of the division, while Daukaus seeks to break into the top 15.

Betting Trends

Daukaus: 3 of last 4 wins by submission; bettors favor his grappling control.

Meerschaert: 27 of 37 wins by submission; sharp bettors target his submission prop.

Totals: Public money leaning Over 2.5 rounds, expecting extended grappling exchanges.

Key Factors: Daukaus’ pressure wrestling and cardio should eventually overwhelm Meerschaert, though Gerald remains dangerous with his submission arsenal.

Summary: UFC 322’s middleweight prelim at Madison Square Garden is a stylistic chess match. Daukaus’ relentless wrestling and submission setups make him the favorite, while Meerschaert’s veteran grappling and experience give him upset potential. Expect a tactical ground battle with Daukaus pulling away late.

FIGHT ODDS

Kyle Daukaus                     – 150

Gerald Meerschaert       + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 14, 2025