Jared Cannonier: Determined to Climb UFC Middleweight Rankings

At 40 years old, Jared Cannonier is not content with being a stepping stone for up-and-coming fighters in the UFC middleweight division. After a challenging 2024 that saw him suffer two consecutive losses, Cannonier’s recent victory over Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Vegas 102 has reinvigorated his career and placed him firmly back in the top 10 rankings.

Despite facing unranked opponents, Cannonier vehemently denies being labeled a gatekeeper. He emphasizes that this perception arose from media questioning about his fights against rising contenders, but it does not reflect his self-image or aspirations in the sport.

Cannonier believes he is still at the peak of his abilities and aims to make another run at the top of the division. He expresses a strong desire to face ranked opponents in his upcoming fights, although his options are limited due to having already competed against many of the top-ranked fighters.

The veteran fighter has faced five of the seven competitors ranked above him, including notable names such as Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. This impressive record speaks to Cannonier’s longevity and experience in the division but also narrows his potential matchups.

Undeterred by these challenges, Cannonier remains open to various opportunities, including rematches with past opponents or even a potential title shot. He stands ready to accept any fight that moves him closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a champion.

As Cannonier looks to the future, he maintains a positive outlook and a willingness to face any opponent the UFC puts in front of him. His recent performance and unwavering determination suggest that he still has much to offer in the competitive landscape of the UFC middleweight division.