J. Cannonier (photo) in UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook ufc
On the eve of the most important fight of his career, Jared Cannonier knows that he has the tough mission of dethroning the legacy of Israel adesanya No. UFC 276, an event scheduled to take place next Saturday (2), so that he can wear the Ultimate middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg).
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However, in addition to the Nigerian, the 'Killa Gorilla', as he is known for his appreciation for animals, did not have an easy path. From a background in aviation and boos from Brazilians to the long-awaited opportunity for the middleweight title, he had to overcome himself and, now, he has a great chance of consecration. With this, the SUPER FIGHTS brought together the main highlights of the fighter's career in the sport.
Background in aviation and beginnings in MMA
Before starting to compete in amateur MMA, Cannonier worked for eight years at Federal Aviation Administration – FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, in free translation), government transport agency. The North American was a specialist in aerial systems. The fighter even reports that he worked 10 hours a day and, after the shift, trained at night. He weighed about 136kg. in the period.
Willing to pursue his goals, Jared chose to start physical activities to maintain himself in athletic competitions and, little by little, developed his skills to discover his talent in striking. With a promising start in 2011, the fighter competed in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg), where he won two titles in Alaska.
Debut with the 'left foot'
S. Jordan (right) throws a punch at J. Cannonier. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook
If Jared's career in Ultimate is marked by great knockouts and powerful punches, the North American had to go through a difficult start in the organization. Still in the heavyweight division, theKilla Gorilla', as he is known, faced Shawn Jordan, but ended up being knocked out in the first round.
The defeat marked the end of Cannonier's unbeaten run in MMA. For the next challenge, he needed to leave his 'comfort zone' and went to Croatia, where he achieved his first triumph via knockout, also in the first round, against Cyril Asker. He won the 'Performance of the Night'.
Victory over 'Spider' and feud with Brazilians
J. Cannonier (right) surpassed A. Silva (left) in the UFC 237. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
As time passed, Cannonier knew that he could not remain in the heavyweight division and, after experience in the light heavyweight division, he decided to prepare for a specific weight cut to compete in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg.), where he would have physical advantages over his opponents.
And it was in the division that, after beating David Brunch on his debut, he embarked on the most difficult mission of his career so far. The North American, still with 15 MMA fights, traveled to Rio de Janeiro to measure his strength against Anderson Silva.
The triumph, however, ended on a sour note with an injury to the 'Spider' from a low kick. He was also criticized for celebrating the positive result and received a loud boo from the public present at the Jeunesse Arena. For this reason, Jared still avoided apologizing and, despite declaring respect for the Brazilian legend, highlighted that he did not feel the same way about the fans.
“I would like to thank Anderson (Silva). I want to thank him for the opportunity. He would hate to face anyone, but he agreed to face me. I have nothing but respect for him. But with the fans, it's different. They have no respect for me, and I have no respect for them,” Cannonier said at the time.
Positive series and title chance
J. Cannonier (left) knocked out D. Brunson (right) in the UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
After overcoming Anderson Silva, the athlete was close to competing for the title and chose to duel against another former champion: Robert whittaker. In a breathtaking fight, already during the coronavirus pandemic, the two athletes left everything in the octagon, but the North American didn't leave with his 'arms raised' in the points.
The defeat, however, served as an incentive. After the setback against the Australian, Jared returned to the path of triumphs against Kelvin Gastelum and, despite arriving as an underdog and starting badly, he confirmed his passport as a 'challenger' in the middleweight division by turning the fight around with hard elbows in front of Derek Brunson.
Loudly, after the official announcement, Cannonier turned to Dana White and demanded a title fight. Today, within the top 5, the North American is the only one who was not defeated by the current champion, Israel adesanya. In his career, there are 15 positive results and five negative results, in addition to the chance to 'shock the world' against the Nigerian in the UFC 276 next Saturday (2).
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