Jared Cannonier is not happy with the current state of the middleweight division in the UFC. The top-ranking contender is finally making a comeback from injury. He has expressed frustration regarding a particular issue in the division, especially after the recent Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa matchup at UFC 302. Here is what happened:
Jared Cannonier recently sat down for a conversation with MMA Junkie. During the interview, he referred to the middleweight division as a “circus” because of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the matchups and title contention.
It’s a circus out there… I think Sean deserves that rematch more than Whittaker deserves the matchup. But we all know why they’re doing it. Like I said, it’s a circus out there. Queue the clown music. Bring in the crowds with their peanuts and their popcorn, so they can have a good time.
Jarrod Cannonier on MMA Junkie
‘The Killa Gorilla’ specifically mentioned the upcoming fights in the middleweight division. Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis has reportedly been targeted for UFC 305 while Robert Whittaker will take on Khamzat Chimaev this June in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to Cannonier, deserving contenders were being overlooked in favor of more marketable or controversial matchups. This situation has made it difficult for fighters like him to move up to a title fight.
Cannonier said he does not know what is going to happen. But he is not spending too much time or energy thinking about it. The 40-year-old will be in shape and ready to fight and whatever happens, he will be there to pick up the winnings.
Jared Cannonier is ready to go to jail to stand up against trolls
Jared Cannonier is finally making a comeback to the UFC octagon. The 40-year-old contender had been away from the fight scene since last year due to a knee injury. His last showdown was against Marvin Vettori which he won by unanimous decision.
Jared Cannonier will fight Nassourdine Imavov at UFC on ESPN 57 (Image via Imago)Cannonier recently addressed something interesting at the UFC Louisville media day for his upcoming showdown against Imavov.
To be honest, I don’t bring myself down to that level. I try to bring people up to my level, if anything, by educating and maybe spitting some fire back… You got ignorant people out there who won’t get sh*t smacked out of them when they say sh*t on the internet. But if they come to me in my face, I’ll probably end up in jail, which is fine because it’ll be worth the time.
Jared Cannonier at the UFC Louisville media day
Jared Cannonier today at #UFCLouisville Media Day
“You got ignorant people out there who won’t get the shit smacked out of them when they say shit on the internet, but if they come to me in my face I’ll probably end up in jail. Which is fine cause it’ll be well worth the time”😳 pic.twitter.com/wkODPiqieT
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 5, 2024
Cannonier is not known to do much trash talk or stir up controversy to sell fights. So it was interesting to see ‘The Killa Gorilla ‘ make such a bold statement. Jared Cannonier will take on Nassourdine Imavov in UFC on ESPN 57 at the KFC Yum! Center in Lousiville, Kentucky.
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