Jared Cannonier: The seasoned fighter who just won’t slow down
Jared Cannonier is no stranger to the pressure of a high-stakes main event. In his seventh opportunity to headline a UFC card, the middleweight contender faced off against the surging Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Vegas 102. The odds were not in his favor, but Cannonier, displaying a combination of resilience and skill, managed to outlast Rodrigues and secure a decisive knockout in the fourth round. This victory was especially significant as it marked the end of a two-fight losing streak and ensured that Cannonier would not experience the unenviable milestone of losing three consecutive bouts for the first time in his career.
A Fight of Two Halves
The fight started with Rodrigues coming out aggressively, landing several powerful strikes that caught Cannonier off guard. In the first round, Rodrigues found Cannonier’s chin, sending him to the mat with a devastating blow. It was a moment that had many fans and analysts questioning whether Cannonier, now just a month away from his 41st birthday, could still compete at the highest level. However, Cannonier’s toughness and wealth of experience shone through as he managed to survive the opening salvo. As the fight progressed, Cannonier began to find his rhythm, turning the tables on Rodrigues. By the end of the third round, Cannonier was nearly in a position to finish Rodrigues, but it wasn’t until the fourth round that he sealed the deal with a flurry of devastating punches that forced the referee to step in.
Peer Recognition
Cannonier’s performance did not go unnoticed by his peers in the MMA community. UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was quick to praise him, tweeting, "He still got it," a succinct but powerful endorsement of Cannonier’s continued dominance. Analyst Alan Jouban echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Cannonier’s ability to perform at a high level despite his age and the adversity he faced in the first round. "For Cannonier to be able to look that good at 40, and survive that first round. Super impressive stuff. Not slowing down," Jouban wrote. The reactions from the MMA world were overwhelmingly positive, recognizing the skill and determination Cannonier brought to the Octagon.
Technical Prowess and Physicality
Kenny Florian, a respected analyst and former UFC lightweight contender, pointed out the technical aspects of Cannonier’s comeback. "Wow, Cannonier steals round 3 with that short elbow and GnP and now seals the deal in the fourth with a TKO stoppage. RoboCop struggles again with efficiency/pacing himself," Florian noted. The term "RoboCop" is often used to describe fighters who absorb a lot of damage but continue to push forward, and Rodrigues certainly displayed this trait. However, Cannonier’s ability to land precise strikes and maintain his composure throughout the fight was a testament to his technical prowess and physical condition.
Rodrigues’ Unbreakable Chin
Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson, a former UFC light heavyweight fighter, was particularly impressed by Rodrigues’ durability. "Rodrigues head must be crazy hard!!! Cannonier landed a CLEAN hook and his hand bounced back while Rodrigues head stood still!! THATS CRAZY!! lol #ufc #ufcfightnight," Anderson tweeted. This observation underscores the physical challenges Cannonier faced. Despite Rodrigues’ ability to withstand heavy blows, Cannonier’s combo in the fourth round was too much, showcasing his ability to find the right openings and exploit them when they mattered most.
A Resilient Comeback
Kelvin Gastelum, a former UFC middleweight contender, also weighed in on the fight. "These are typically the fights where Robocop comes back and wins. Really cool to see Jared Cannonier bounce back this way! Very impressive. @ufc #UFCVegas102," Gastelum commented. Cannonier’s comeback was not only a display of his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude. After a tough first round, Cannonier could have folded under the pressure, but he stayed composed, adjusted his strategy, and executed it flawlessly. This performance solidifies his position as one of the most resilient fighters in the UFC, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to his fighting spirit and skill set.
