UFC middleweight Jared Cannonier just delivered one of the finest performances of his career. Cannonier powered through fellow title contender Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 75 this past weekend, and believes he’s back on track to challenge for UFC gold once more.
At the post-fight press conference, “The Killa Gorilla” offered up his wish list of potential opponents, including one of the most feared names in the game.
Jared Cannonier Gunning For Khamzat Chimaev… But Only For A UFC Title
“The way I see the immediate future going, Robert [Whittaker] is going to fight Dricus [Du Plessis]; I know Israel [Adesanya] wants to fight Dricus so bad, but I feel with my performance, as far as the guys who make that decision go, I’m sure that puts my name well up there in that area.
I’m not really concerned myself with what may or may not be, I’m just going to focus on the next fight. I’m going to get back in the gym, get back to making myself better, get back to improving on my skills, and worry about the next fight.”
Cannonier is open to facing Khamzat Chimaev, but only if it moves him toward another shot at Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya. “Does that fight get me a title shot? You think so? I don’t know. He’s not even ranked at middleweight, is he?
I know he’s popular. Everybody wants to see him do his thing and stuff like that. If they called me and said, ‘Hey, Khamzat for contender’s match?’ That’s a yes.
I’m trying to get to the title. I’m not just fighting to entertain you people. I know you guys want to see it. I know it would be a good fight. If that gets me the title shot, yes. I just beat No. 3.
I’m not looking back, I’m looking forward. I’m looking at the champion. So if Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] and them say, ‘He’s between you and the champion,’ that’s something we can talk about.
But if you’re saying, ‘Would you fight Khamzat and welcome him to the division?’ I’m like, does that get me to the title? That’s the question I’d have for you.”
Chimaev is one of the most popular rising stars in the UFC, but he has not fought in almost a year. Chiamev badly missed weight ahead of UFC 279 and has seemed inactive since. Since missing the 170-pound welterweight limit, talk of Chimaev moving up a weight class to take on the 185-pound middleweight division has continued.
Another option for Cannonier is to serve as backup for Israel Adesanya’s widely expected headline performance at UFC 293, in Sydney.
“Yeah, man, we get paid for those moments. I’m more than happy to step in for that opportunity, get paid even if I don’t fight. You still get paid a little bit, so I’m happy with that. And I wouldn’t mind a trip to Sydney. I’ve never been to Australia before, I’ve always wanted to go.”
