LAS VEGAS – Jared Cannonier is in a good place – but an uncertain one.
At UFC Fight Night 251, Cannonier (18-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) finished Gregory Rodrigues (16-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) with strikes in Round 4 to snap a two-fight skid. The finishing sequence topped off an improbable comeback after a rocky first round.
The win signified the official conclusion of a difficult stretch professionally and personally, Cannonier admitted during a post-fight news conference.
“It feels great, man,” Cannonier told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “2024 was losses – not just in the octagon, but loss in my personal life, as well. 2024, I’m so happy to put that behind me. I’m so happy 2025 is getting off on a good note, on a good foot. Camp was great. I learned a lot throughout camp. The whole fight week process was awesome.”
Cannonier, 40, seemed at peace after the win at the UFC Apex. However, as for the immediate next step, Cannonier isn’t sure. He wants to fight above him, but the fact he’s been a contender for so long limits his options.
“If you were to look at the rankings, I would like a ranked opponent for sure,” Cannonier said. “I think for sure, I’m going to get a ranked opponent after that victory. I would like to fight a ranking higher than me. Unfortunately, all the people ranked higher than me are either in line for a title shot or on the way for a title shot, or just beat me. But I’m not going to rule anything out. If they say, ‘Hey, Jared, we need you to fight Dricus for the belt,’ I’m like, ‘Hell yes. I’m ready.'”
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Cannonier expects to take a few months off. An ideal timeline to return is in June. In the meantime, Cannonier plans to corner his longtime teammate Eric McConico, who debuts at next Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jared Cannonier happy to get year started off strong at UFC Fight Night 251 – but immediate future tricky
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