Jared Cannonier: Refusing to Be a Gatekeeper
Jared Cannonier may be 40 years old, but don’t mistake his age for a lack of fighting spirit. In 2024, Cannonier faced a series of setbacks, culminating in two consecutive losses. This downward trajectory made his bout against Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Vegas 102 particularly critical. Despite an initial rocky start, Cannonier dug deep, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches that ultimately led to a fourth-round stoppage. This victory not only reaffirmed his status as a formidable force in the middleweight division but also solidified his position as a top-10 contender.
Overcoming the Label
While Cannonier has never wavered when the UFC has called upon him to face up-and-coming talent, he strongly rejects the notion of being a "gatekeeper." During the UFC Vegas 102 post-fight press conference, he addressed this perception head-on. "I don’t think anybody’s put that tag on me," Cannonier said. "It’s just that when I was doing all these interviews, the way I was answering the questions made it sound like I was a gatekeeper. Because you guys kept saying ‘you’re fighting this up and comer, you’re fighting a second up and comer, you’re fighting another up and comer.’ Doesn’t that sound like ‘hey, you’re a gatekeeper’?"
Peak Condition and Future Aspirations
Despite his age, Cannonier believes he is still at his peak condition and sees a real opportunity to make a run at the top of the middleweight division. This belief stems from his continued dedication to his training and his unwavering confidence. He would ideally like to face a ranked opponent in his next fight, but the options are limited. Cannonier has already battled five of the seven fighters currently ranked above him, including Nassourdine Imavov, Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Caio Borralho. This extensive roster of high-profile opponents speaks volumes about his longevity and the respect he commands in the UFC.
Limited Choices, Endless Determination
The fact that Cannonier has already fought five out of the seven fighters ahead of him in the rankings creates a significant challenge in finding a suitable opponent. "Five people in the rankings ahead of me have beaten me," he noted. "I’m ranked No. 7 so that means two people who I haven’t fought or haven’t beat. Two people who I haven’t fought [are] Dricus and Khamzat [Chimaev]." Despite these constraints, Cannonier remains open to any opportunity that comes his way. Whether it’s a rematch with a past opponent or a chance to fight for the title, he is ready and willing.
Staying Ready for Anything
Cannonier’s resilience and adaptability are key to his continued success. "If you were to look at the rankings, I would like a ranked opponent for sure," he said. "I think I’m definitely going to get a ranked opponent after that victory. I would like somebody ranked higher than me. Unfortunately, all the people ranked higher than me are either in line to get a title shot or [they] are going to wait for a title shot or just beat me. But I’m not going rule anything out. If they say ‘hey Jared, we need you to fight Dricus [du Plessis] next for the belt.’ I’m like hell yes, I’m ready." This mindset of readiness and flexibility is what keeps him at the top of his game.
A Legacy of Resilience
Jared Cannonier’s journey in the UFC is marked by a blend of experience and determination. His recent victory against Gregory Rodrigues is a testament to his ability to bounce back from adversity and his unwavering commitment to excellence. As he looks to the future, Cannonier remains focused on one goal: continuing to fight at the highest level and proving that age is just a number. Whether it’s a rematch or a new challenge, Jared Cannonier is ready to make his mark in the history of the middleweight division.
