UFC Vegas 122: Allen vs. Duncan continues on the prelims with a fight between Gerald Meerschaert and Julius Walker in the light heavyweight division. Check out our UFC Vegas 122 odds series for our Meerschaert-Walker prediction and pick.
Gerald Meerschaert (37-22, 12-14 UFC) dropped a unanimous decision to Jacob Malkoun in May, following a 50-second brabo-choke submission loss to Kyle Daukaus last November. His five-fight skid is the longest of his career, leaving him seeking a rebound as he comes into his fight this weekend against Julius Walker.
Julius Walker (7-3, 1-3 UFC) suffered an eight-second knockout against Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev in June, following a second-round TKO loss to Dustin Jacoby in February. Those consecutive stoppage defeats leave the young light heavyweight urgently seeking a much-needed rebound as he comes into his fight this weekend against Gerald Meerschaert on Saturday.
UFC Vegas 122 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings:
UFC Vegas 122 Odds: Gerald Meerschaert-Julius Walker Odds
Gerald Meerschaert: +245
Julius Walker: -305
Over 1.5 Rounds: -105
Under 1.5 Rounds: -125
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Gerald Meerschaert Will Win
Gerald Meerschaert’s route to beating Julius Walker is not winning a clean striking battle but creating the scramble that changes everything. His submission threat makes clinches and ground exchanges dangerous, particularly if Walker mistakes a physical advantage for permission to take unnecessary risks.
Walker enters after consecutive knockout losses, which gives Meerschaert reason to test his composure with pressure rather than accept a passive role. That history does not establish weak submission defense, but it supports forcing difficult decisions instead of letting Walker dictate every exchange.
Meerschaert should prioritize closing distance safely, using defensive positioning and clinch work to slow Walker before attempting a transition to the ground. The objective is creating an exposed neck or compromised position, not exhausting himself chasing takedowns from too far outside striking range.
Walker’s size and athleticism could become liabilities if he relies on strength during escapes and leaves openings while trying to stand quickly. Meerschaert can capitalize on those transitions, turning a brief defensive mistake into a finish without needing to dominate the preceding minutes.
His five-fight losing streak makes this an upset argument rather than a confident forecast, and surviving Walker’s early offense remains essential. Still, I favor Meerschaert to exploit an overaggressive clinch exchange, secure a submission and remind Walker that experience can punish impatience.
Why Julius Walker Will Win
Julius Walker should beat Gerald Meerschaert by using his athletic advantages to keep this matchup upright and force a striking contest. The veteran’s submission threat remains serious, but Walker has little reason to volunteer for scrambles when speed and strength favor him.
Walker’s greater striking activity offers a straightforward scoring advantage if he maintains distance and attacks without overcommitting to extended punching combinations. Jabs, controlled follow-up shots and disciplined exits should make Meerschaert defend repeatedly while limiting opportunities to clinch or drag him down.
Meerschaert enters on five consecutive defeats, providing another reason to favor Walker’s ability to impose a demanding pace across three rounds. That losing streak does not erase his finishing instincts, but it highlights why Walker should prioritize consistent offense over unnecessary technical risks.
The danger comes when Walker confuses versatility with good strategy, particularly if he initiates grappling exchanges that invite Meerschaert’s strongest weapons. He should use defensive wrestling to preserve position, disengage from clinches when possible and make the veteran earn every attempt at control.
Article Continues BelowWalker’s own recent losses prevent this from being a confident prediction, and his discipline matters more than his physical advantages alone. Still, I favor Walker by decision, with cleaner striking, superior movement and sensible defensive choices keeping Meerschaert from finding a submission.
Final Gerald Meerschaert-Julius Walker Prediction & Pick
Julius Walker is my pick to beat Gerald Meerschaert, provided he keeps this fight standing and avoids unnecessary grappling exchanges. Walker’s athletic advantages should help him establish distance and deliver the cleaner offense throughout the contest.
Meerschaert remains dangerous because a single scramble could create the submission opportunity he needs. Walker must resist chasing takedowns or following him to the canvas after landing, where the veteran’s experience becomes considerably more valuable.
The safest approach is controlled pressure, using straight punches and disciplined exits rather than extended exchanges. That strategy should make Meerschaert work to close distance while giving Walker opportunities to score without surrendering position.
Neither fighter enters with reassuring recent form, so this is not a confident selection. Meerschaert’s five-fight skid and Walker’s consecutive stoppage defeats leave legitimate concerns about both men’s ability to execute consistently.
Expect Walker to win the striking exchanges while surviving dangerous moments. I favor Walker by decision.
Final Gerald Meerschaert-Julius Walker Prediction & Pick: Julius Walker (-305), OVER 1.5 Rounds (-105)