Approaching Saturday night’s main event at UFC Vegas 102, Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier found himself at a critical juncture. Ranked seventh, with an 18-8 record in MMA and 11-8 in the UFC, he faced scrutiny as he entered the fight weekend on a two-loss streak, winning only two of his last five bouts.
Cannonier’s challenge during the President’s Day weekend at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, was Gregory Rodrigues, who held a record of 16-6 MMA and 7-3 UFC. A defeat could have jeopardized his top-ten status in the middleweight category.
MMA enthusiasts are well-versed in the unpredictable nature of the sport. This was evident earlier in the night during a lightweight clash between Nazim Sadykhov and Ismael Bonfim. That particular fight ended early due to a doctor stoppage between rounds one and two. Such is the way of the octagon.
If you haven’t caught this weekend’s main event yet, it’s worth the watch. Jared Cannonier put on a stellar show, fending off an early aggressive start from Gregory Rodrigues. Starting in the third round of the five-round bout, Cannonier began strategically using jabs as Rodrigues countered with a one-two combo. To disrupt Rodrigues’ rhythm, Cannonier shifted tactics and kept the pressure on.
By the end of the third round, Cannonier defended against a single-leg takedown and delivered a powerful elbow that dropped Rodrigues. The round ended with a vigorous ground assault from Cannonier, halted only by the bell.
As they headed into round four, Rodrigues used the brief intermission to regroup. However, once the fourth round began, Cannonier was relentless. He charged with an array of strikes, including a particularly destabilizing body punch. The referee, Herb Dean, intervened, declaring a TKO victory for Cannonier just 21 seconds into the round.
Commentator John Gooden remarked enthusiastically during the event, praising Cannonier’s resilience and noting his significant win at 40 years old. The victory not only secured Cannonier’s standing in the top seven but also earned him the Fight of the Night honor along with a $50,000 bonus.
Post-fight, speaking with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, Cannonier reflected on the challenge Rodrigues posed, acknowledging the hard-hitting shots he absorbed. He stated, “I’d rather die on my feet than die on my back,” highlighting his determination to stay on the offensive.
A humorous moment during Cannonier’s interview revealed that he momentarily thought he had knocked Rodrigues out in the third round, only to realize the round hadn’t ended as he perceived.
In the end, Cannonier emerged victorious, proving that age is merely a number. His dominant performance positions him well for future opportunities in the octagon. If he capitalizes on his momentum and continues to fight smart, Jared Cannonier could soon be vying for the middleweight title, one fight at a time.
