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Julius Walker drew inspiration from Sean Strickland before UFC Vegas 122

UFC light heavyweight prospect Julius Walker entered UFC Vegas 122 with a clear focus, drawing motivation from the career trajectory of fellow middleweight Sean Strickland amid ongoing contract disputes. Walker’s bout against Gerald Meerschaert marked a pivotal moment in the veteran’s 10-year UFC journey, as the 38-year-old Meerschaert suffered a second-round TKO loss—his sixth consecutive defeat in the promotion.

The stoppage sealed Meerschaert’s retirement after 60 professional fights, capping a storied career that included a 12-14 UFC record. Walker’s victory underscored his rising prominence in the division, while Meerschaert’s departure leaves a notable void in the UFC’s middleweight ranks.

Strickland’s high-profile pay dispute with the organization also loomed as a backdrop, adding context to Walker’s preparation and the broader landscape of fighter-versus-promotion dynamics.

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