Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues are heading into their upcoming fight with contrasting trajectories. Cannonier, currently holding a record of 17-8, finds himself in a precarious position as he aims to defend his rank in the UFC middleweight division against the unranked Brazilian powerhouse.
Since entering the middleweight arena in 2018 with a strong start that included three consecutive knockouts, Cannonier has struggled to maintain that momentum. In his last eight bouts, he has only achieved one stoppage. Following two recent losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, Cannonier is teetering on the brink of a potential losing streak, a setback that could significantly derail his championship aspirations.
“I guess you can consider me the sacrificial lamb in that regard, right?” Cannonier remarked during Wednesday’s media day, reflecting on his recent performance. He expressed an awareness of his current status in the division, acknowledging he is providing opportunities for the rising fighters in the league.
On the other hand, Rodrigues, who boasts a record of 16-5, is eager to seize the opportunity presented by this match. “Robocop” had aimed to crack into the middleweight rankings this year and was pleasantly surprised that someone of Cannonier’s caliber accepted the challenge. Known for his striking prowess, all of Rodrigues’ finishes in the UFC have come via knockout, despite his extensive background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“This is the perfect time for this fight,” Rodrigues stated at the media day. He emphasized his respect for Cannonier’s achievements while also underscoring his determination to pursue his own path to championship glory.
As for the fight card, the upcoming UFC Fight Night on February 15 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas will see various intriguing matchups, including a notable clash between these two middleweights. Betting odds currently favor Rodrigues at -225 against Cannonier at +185.
In terms of predictions, some analysts note that while Cannonier may have the experience in longer fights, Rodrigues’ wrestling capabilities and knockout power could turn the tide. The fight is anticipated to be an intense battle, with many predicting a finish for Rodrigues in the later rounds.
Ultimately, fans of both fighters can expect a memorable showdown, which could either solidify Cannonier’s status or elevate Rodrigues into the competitive ranks of the middleweight division.