Jared Cannonier will probably be making the stroll to the Octagon once more after a yr off because of accidents.
Cannonier final fought again on June 17, 2023, when he defeated Marvin Vettori by choice. He was then supplied to struggle Khamzat Chimaev on quick discover in Abu Dhabi, however Cannonier injured his MCL which has saved him out of motion till now.
“I used to be presupposed to get cleared in late March however I didn’t get the appointment till early April, so early April I obtained cleared,” Cannonier mentioned on Simply Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “They supplied me a struggle at 301 to struggle Paulo Costa, that might have been method too early to leap proper right into a camp coming off this harm. So, it simply wasn’t the precise timing, the right opponent, he’s undoubtedly a greater opponent than the one I’ve now, however it’s what it’s. It’s one other alternative to indicate the UFC, the followers, and the remainder of the world that I’m title-bound and I’m a future champion.”
Though Cannonier isn’t getting the big-name opponent that he wished, he’ll headline UFC Louisville on Saturday towards Nassourdine Imavov.
“I like principal occasions, we get principal occasion cash so I don’t thoughts that further 25k for one more two rounds, on high of that my conditioning is rarely a problem, I can’t say the identical for my opponent. He looks like he has slowed down and appears drained in fights. My cardio is king,” Cannonier mentioned.
Regardless of Cannonier being the underdog at UFC Louisville, he expects his cardio and stress would be the distinction in him getting his hand raised on Saturday night time. He additionally expects to remind everybody why he nonetheless is a top-ranked middleweight by beating Nassourdine Imavov.
“Stress from begin to end, I’m going to get in his face, he’s going to look uncomfortable, really feel uncomfortable, and be combating for his life. That’s going to be it,” Cannonier mentioned. “We’re going to see how a lot of a Dagestani he’s when he shoots for these hips when he sees these bombs coming towards him. I plan on placing it on him. It’s going to be a bodily struggle, it’s not going to be a kickboxing match, it’s going to be a bodily MMA match. If I seize ahold of him, we’re going to see how robust he’s in comparison with ‘The Killa Gorilla.’”
Ought to Jared Cannonier get his hand raised on Saturday he believes he may get a title shot. However, if he doesn’t get a title shot, Cannonier says he will probably be on standby for the massive middleweight title fights developing.
“An important efficiency can at all times elevate a fighter… It’ll re-open some eyes. I used to be able to drop in with Khamzat in Abu Dhabi on 11 days’ discover, however sadly, my MCL had different plans. That’s life. After this efficiency I count on the UFC to maintain me on velocity dial, if something occurs between Whittaker and Khamzat, I’m right here. If something occurs between the championship struggle, I’m right here,” Cannonier mentioned.