Jared Cannonier is presently in Sydney, Australia to weigh in as a backup fighter for the UFC 293 main event between Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. Cannonier fought for the title at UFC 276 but lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Cannonier was rumored to be the opponent for Khamzat Chimaev’s debut at middleweight but the rumor was put to rest with the announcement of Khamzat Chimaev versus Paolo Costa as the co-main event of UFC 294. The event is headlined by Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.
Jared Cannonier talks on potential bouts
In an exclusive interview with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Cannonier talked about his potential opponents in his next bout. With Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya not missing weight in their entire career, the service of Cannonier might not be required for UFC 293. However, he could get his show money by making weight for UFC 293.
Cannonier has 4 opponents in mind when it comes to who is next. They are the former champion, Robert Whitaker, the Number one contender, Dricus Du Plessis, and the winner of Khamzat Chimaev versus Paolo Costa. Cannonier fought Whitaker at UFC at UFC 254 but lost the fight by unanimous decision. “Killa Gorilla” broke his hand during that fight and was unable to perform to the full extent. The middleweight champion has already set his sights on his opponent after UFC 293, the winner of Chimaev versus Costa.
If the champion goes in that direction, a fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Jared Cannonier could have the most probability of happening. Cannonier’s fight with Adesanya for the title was deemed too boring. The fight was uneventful and Cannonier was not prepared to take risks which was criticized by the UFC President, Dana White in the post-fight presser after the event.
Jared Cannonier is ready to step in as the #UFC293 alternate if needed, but if not, he targets Du Plessis, Whittaker or the Chimaev/Costa winner.
đ„ @MikeBohn pic.twitter.com/7yeXlrzlwA
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 7, 2023
Cannonier has since rebounded with impressive victories over Sean Strickland who is to face Adesanya at UFC 293 and Marvin Vettori in a record-breaking performance. The Alaskan native has previously fought at heavyweight and light heavyweight before finding his calling at middleweight. Cannonier’s resume also includes victories over Anderson Silva, Jack Hermansson, and Kelvin Gastelum. He has also fought Glover Texeira, Dominick Reyes, and Jan Blachowicz at light heavyweight.
Is Jared Cannonier backup to Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland bout
Jared Cannonier has been roped in as a backup fighter for UFC 293 in the event of either Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland missing weight or unable to make it to the octagon. The 39-year-old cannonier is weighing in as a backup for the first time in his career.
Cannonier has already fought both Adesanya and Strickland. He won against Strickland but lost against Adesanya, both by decision. In his most recent bout, he defeated Marvin Vettori in a fight that might take years out of Vettori’s career. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, Cannonier is almost sure that a win in his next bout would result in a title shot.
Fighting out of MMA Lab in Arizona, Cannonier showed his amazing cardio in his bout with Vettori. The bout so the record for most significant strikes landed broken by the number 3 ranked middleweight contender. Vettori’s toughness kept him in that fight which went to a decision win for Cannonier. The amount of damage “the Italian Dream” took was difficult to conceive.
What do you think is the next opponent for Jared Cannonier? Comment below!
