LAS VEGAS – Jared Cannonier is in a great place – however an unsure one.
At UFC Battle Night time 251, Cannonier (18-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) completed Gregory Rodrigues (16-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) with strikes in Spherical 4 to snap a two-fight skid. The ending sequence topped off an unbelievable comeback after a rocky first spherical.
The win signified the official conclusion of a troublesome stretch professionally and personally, Cannonier admitted throughout a post-fight information convention.
“It feels nice, man,” Cannonier advised MMA Junkie and different reporters. “2024 was losses – not simply within the octagon, however loss in my private life, as effectively. 2024, I’m so pleased to place that behind me. I’m so pleased 2025 is getting off on a great word, on a great foot. Camp was nice. I realized quite a bit all through camp. The entire combat week course of was superior.”
Cannonier, 40, appeared at peace after the win on the UFC Apex. Nevertheless, as for the speedy subsequent step, Cannonier isn’t certain. He desires to combat above him, however the reality he’s been a contender for therefore lengthy limits his choices.
“In case you had been to have a look at the rankings, I would love a ranked opponent for certain,” Cannonier mentioned. “I feel for certain, I’m going to get a ranked opponent after that victory. I wish to combat a rating greater than me. Sadly, all of the individuals ranked greater than me are both in line for a title shot or on the best way for a title shot, or simply beat me. However I’m not going to rule something out. If they are saying, ‘Hey, Jared, we’d like you to combat Dricus for the belt,’ I’m like, ‘Hell sure. I’m prepared.’”
Cannonier expects to take a couple of months off. An excellent timeline to return is in June. Within the meantime, Cannonier plans to nook his longtime teammate Eric McConico, who debuts at subsequent Saturday’s UFC Battle Night time 252 in Seattle.
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