In a surprising turn of events, the middleweight division of the UFC has been injected with new life following Sean Strickland’s recent title victory at UFC 293. Israel Adesanya, the former dominant champion in the 185-pound division, appeared to be running out of worthy challengers, having faced and defeated multiple opponents repeatedly. However, Strickland’s emergence as the new sheriff in town has not only breathed fresh air into the division but also painted a big target on his back.
Jared Cannonier, at the age of 39, stands as the last man to have defeated the current champion. He secured a closely-fought split decision victory over “Tarzan” just this past December. Following that triumph, the “Killa Gorilla” delivered a record-setting performance against Marvin Vettori in June. Cannonier showcased his striking prowess, landing a staggering 241 significant strikes over five rounds, setting a new middleweight record. As a result of his impressive win, Cannonier was designated as the backup fighter for the Adesanya vs. Strickland showdown in Sydney, Australia, this past weekend, and he is now clamoring for the opportunity he believes he rightfully deserves.
In a characteristically bold statement on Instagram, Cannonier declared, “If you’re a true hand-to-hand combat fan like me and not in it for the (clown) ass actors and their theatrics, then you know this is the fight to make. I beat the champ and got two checks to prove it. He wasn’t walking me down screaming in my face either. Nobody does that to me. The only other MW to beat him has ascended. He fought him differently than he fought me as well. On top of that, he said it himself that he ‘fought like a b****,’ so here’s your chance to redeem your man card, @strickland_mma_. Let’s actually do the man dance, brother. P.S. I was high as hell on that poster.”
While it’s still too early to predict the UFC’s direction for its new outspoken and fearless middleweight champion, one thing is clear: there are plenty of options on the table. UFC President Dana White has hinted at the possibility of an instant rematch with Adesanya. Top contender Dricus Du Plessis is also staking his claim for a shot at the title. Additionally, the matchup between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev next month holds significant implications for the division. Cannonier himself is riding a two-fight win streak, starting with his victory over Strickland.
Cannonier’s record at 185 pounds stands at an impressive 7-2, with his only losses coming at the hands of former champions Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, both via unanimous decisions. His bout against Adesanya remains his sole bid for UFC gold in his 23-fight career (17-6).
In this rapidly evolving landscape, the future of the middleweight division promises excitement and fierce competition. As fans eagerly await the next steps, one thing is certain: Jared Cannonier is determined to secure his shot at redemption and cement his place as a dominant force in the division.
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4. John Makdessi’s Earnings: Disgruntled John Makdessi shares detailed earnings for his UFC 293 bout with Jamie Mullarkey.
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VIDEO STEW
– Between the Links: MMA Hook’s Damon Martin chats with Valentina Shevchenko.
– Noche UFC Athlete Panel: Preview of Holland vs. Della Maddalena.
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– Full Fight: Silveira’s journey.
– Throwback: A breakdown of Kevin Holland’s career.
– Blessed Paintball: A fun video featuring Max Holloway.
LISTEN UP
– Heck of a Morning: MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses what’s next for Khamzat Chimaev after his UFC 294 fight with Paulo Costa, win or lose.
MORNING MUSIC
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
– Patience: A virtue in the world of combat sports.
– Two Instant Rematches: The debate continues on the potential outcome of a Strickland vs. Cannonier rematch.
– Grateful Psycho: A glimpse into the mindset of fighters in the octagon.
– Alaskan Spaniard: An intriguing combination of locations.
– Hmm: A moment of contemplation.
– English: Language matters in the world of MMA.
– Smile: A reminder to find joy in every moment.
– Champ: Celebrating the champions of the sport.
– Hunting: The pursuit of victory.
– Surf’s Up: Embracing the waves of life.
– Clarity: Seeking clarity in a chaotic world.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
– Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel: Set for UFC Sao Paulo on November 4th.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The middleweight division has taken an exciting turn with Sean Strickland’s rise to the top. While Dricus Du Plessis is the rightful next contender, the presence of Jared Cannonier, Israel Adesanya, and the upcoming Costa vs. Chimaev matchup creates a tantalizing mix of possibilities. As the division’s landscape continues to evolve, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and fierce competition.
Happy Friday to all, and enjoy the weekend of combat sports action! Thanks for reading!
EXIT POLL
Who would win the rematch?
- Sean Strickland
- Jared Cannonier
VOTE view results
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rematch
Question: Who is Jared Cannonier, and why does he want a rematch with Sean Strickland?
Answer: Jared Cannonier is a seasoned middleweight MMA fighter who defeated Sean Strickland in a closely contested split decision. He seeks a rematch with Strickland to prove himself as the rightful contender for the middleweight title after Strickland’s recent victory.
More about Rematch
- Jared Cannonier’s UFC Profile
- Sean Strickland’s UFC Profile
- UFC 293 Results and Recap
- Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC Profile
- Paulo Costa’s UFC Profile
- Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Profile
- Israel Adesanya’s UFC Profile
- Robert Whittaker’s UFC Profile
1 comment
hey, jared vs strickland, gr8 fight to happen! i want cannonier 2 win, he got skills.