Former middleweight title challenger Jared “Tha Killa Gorilla” Cannonier has not fought since he battered Marvin Vettori in the main event of UFC Vegas 75. Next for him is Nassourdine Imavov at the main event at the UFC Louisville. For the fight, Cannonier has sought motivation from the viral meme of Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf.
Cannonier weighed in as a backup at UFC 293 but suffered an injury soon after, causing the short lay-off. Nonetheless, ‘Tha Killa Gorilla’ is ready to become champion in the division in his second attempt. The journey will start at UFC Louisville on June 8, and Shia LaBeouf’s viral ‘Just Do It’ meme has motivated the Texan, as revealed in the interview with Helen Yee.
That thing [Shia LaBeouf meme] aged well, very well. Now, you know, it’s so much more applicable. When we saw it, I thought, ‘This guy looks pretty cool, pretty funny.’ Pretty funny back then, but now it’s more motivating than ever…He’s the one who motivates me with that stuff.
Jared Cannonier via Helen Yee Sports
Cannonier had earlier posted the viral meme on his Instagram for inspiration. He tried to do it in the interview but revealed LaBeouf did it better. Cannonier also hilariously revealed he didn’t know what it meant, but it was awesome. LaBeouf’s viral meme dates to 2015. In the viral clip, an intense animated actor seemed to motivate the ones watching it.
Even though he has a fight scheduled for June 8, Cannonier revealed he has no qualms about fighting Sean Strickland on June 2nd at UFC 302, as Paulo Costa allegedly has not signed the contract. They had fought earlier, with Cannonier winning via split decision. Nonetheless, he won’t likely have to do that. With motivation from LaBeouf, he will be looking to make three in a row at UFC Louisville.
Jared Cannonier speaks about Shia LaBeouf
Many UFC fighters have appeared in Hollywood movies. None had a starring role as Conor McGregor had in Road House. McGregor was deeply appreciative of the performance of his co-star, Jake Gyllenhaal. Similarly, Angela Bassett‘s performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stunned Kamaru Usman, who had a minor role in the movie.
Shia LaBeouf and Jared Cannonier (Image via: Instagram)The same was the case for Georges St-Pierre, who remained in awe of Chris Evans in Captain America: Winter Soldier. Jared Cannonier has not appeared in any movies but likes them, particularly Shia LaBeouf’s. After all, LaBeouf’s viral ‘Just Do It’ meme has motivated Cannonier as he goes to fight Nassourdine Imavov in the coming weeks. Moreover, Cannonier appears to be a fan of the actor, as revealed in the interview with Helen Yee.
He is cool. I really like Shia LaBeouf. I like his movies. I like him as a personality, you know, how he carries himself. So, I think he’s pretty cool.
Jared Cannonier via Helen Yee Sports
Eagle Eye and Transformers are Cannonier’s favorite movies of Shia LaBeouf. He has also watched parts of Holes in which LaBeouf had his first starring role. Even more than the motivation from the LaBeouf meme, Cannonier will have extra motivation for his next fight as he and his wife are expecting a fourth child.
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