Gerald Meerschaert vs. Kyle Daukaus prediction, odds, pick for UFC 322

The UFC 322 Early Prelims should wrap up with this middleweight (185) bout as we bring you another prediction and betting pick. UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert will take Philly’s rise Kyle Daukaus into what should be a banger early night. Check out ours UFC odds series for Meerschaert-Daukaus prediction and selection.

Gerald Meerschaert (37-20) comes into another UFC PPV spot with a 12-12 record since 2016. After back-to-back wins in 2024, the longtime UFC veteran had lost his last three straight fights heading into this bout. He’ll look to be used as a big outside punt, standing 6-foot-1 with a 77.5-inch reach.

Kyle Daukaus (16-4) has gone 3-4-0-1 within the UFC since 2020. He left the promotion in 2023 and has won four straight under the CFFC, returning in his last fight to cash in on a 1st round knockout. He will now look to build on his new-found momentum as a firm betting favourite. Daukaus is 6-foot-3 with a 76-inch reach.

Here they are UFC 322 oddscourtesy of DraftKings.

UFC 322 odds: Gerald Meerschaert-Kile Daukaus odds

Gerald Meerschaert: +320

Kyle Daukaus: -410

Over 1.5 rounds: -175

Up to 1.5 rounds: +135

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Why Gerald Meerschaert Will Wynn

• Last fight: (L) Michal Oleksiejczuk – TKO (punches, R1)
• Last 5: 2-3
• Finishes: 6 KO/TKO, 29 HOURS

Gerald Meerschaert makes another appearance on the Pay-Per-View event, looking to get over .500 in his UFC career and improve to 13-12 within the promotion. He’s found a string of solid performances in 2024, but his last three fights have been tough to watch, with two going the distance. Still, Meerschaert is hungry to be in this spot and will have another chance to prove his worth on Saturday.

Meerschaert has looked increasingly aggressive over his last few fights, not waiting nearly as long to engage opponents as he has in the past. Meerschaert packs a big punch with his jab, but it’s his lifelong grappling training that really stands out when he’s able to force opponents to the mat.

While Meerschaert will have to overcome the betting odds against his favour, he is certainly the more experienced fighter here and has seen just about everything he can from any particular opponent. Staying out of range and controlling his strike distance will be key for him during this fight as his best chance will be to turn his defense into offense.

Why Kyle Daukaus Will Wynn

• Last fight: (V) Michel Pereira – TKO (overhand right, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 2 KO/TKO, 11 HOURS

After leaving the UFC after a 2-4 record, Kyle Daukaus honed his skills with four straight wins including a title shot at Cage Fury FC. Returning to the UFC, Daukaus was able to quickly defeat the dangerous Michel Pereira, proving that he is ready to once again pave the way in the UFC. He will have another great opportunity to improve his stock and Meerschaert is the perfect opponent to do so.

Daukaus has improved his kickboxing significantly while away from the UFC, which is evidenced by the confidence he showed in his recent fight against Michel Pereira. On the ground, Daukaus has always been confident in his catching abilities, but he might want to step away from the ground game knowing he has a much tougher challenge there than on his feet.

Still, Daukaus should be the more energetic, athletic fighter in this matchup and his newfound confidence could make him a problem in this division for any fighter. He is currently on a winning streak, so expect a highly motivated and determined version of Daukaus going into this match.

Final Gerald Meerschaert-Kile Daukaus Prediction and selection

Both fighters have made it to the UFC, but this fight will be especially important for both men as they try to prove their worth in the promotion. Gerald Meerschaert is in the twilight of his career, but has been putting together solid outings and clearly feels confident enough in his abilities and training camp to take this fight.

Daukaus, on the other hand, is on a completely new mission and has looked like a completely different fighter since returning to the UFC. Given his recent success and his confidence against Michel Pereira, we have to give a striking edge to Daukaus and his ability to push forward without much caution.

Gerald Meerschaert will have the best chance as an underdog if he is able to catch and force Daukaus into a compromised position on the ground. From there, Meerschaert may struggle to find any openings against a strong catcher like Daukaus, but he has been able to find unlikely finishes in the past and will hope to do the same here.

However, Kyle Daukaus is the clear favorite to win this fight and I expect him to do so with a quick knockout.

Final Gerald Meerschaert-Kile Daukaus Prediction and Pick: Kyle Daukaus (-410); UP TO 1.5 rounds (+135)