3 possible next opponents for Jared Cannonier after UFC Vegas 96 loss

The highly anticipated matchup between Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho took place at the UFC APEX on August 24th. This battle was a thrilling spectacle that stood out as one of the top fights of 2024, earning them the Fight of the Night bonus. Despite Borralho emerging victorious via unanimous decision, Cannonier displayed immense resilience and skill throughout the fight. With his extensive experience, he put up a fierce challenge for the young Borralho, even managing to hold his own against a formidable opponent who was generating significant buzz. Although Cannonier came up short in this bout, his performance was impressive enough that he could potentially consider another fight if he chooses not to retire.

1. Paulo Costa

It’s possible that a match between Cannonier and No. 8 ranked Paulo Costa could be an intriguing choice, given that both fighters have recently suffered defeats and are eager for a victory. Costa’s fights are always exciting, making this potential bout even more enticing. The two have previously been slated to fight or in discussions to do so, but the bouts never came to fruition. In August 2021, they were set to headline a fight night, but Costa withdrew due to contract disagreements, leading to Kelvin Gastelum taking his place and Cannonier securing a unanimous decision win. Later discussions for a match between the two at UFC 301 in Brazil fell through as Cannonier was not yet fully recovered from his MCL injury and unable to sign a contract.

2012 marked the beginning of Costa’s MMA journey, where he participated in numerous Brazilian fighting circuits. His initial record was a flawless 8-0, with seven knockouts and one submission to his credit, which was impressive enough to secure him a UFC contract, which he started utilizing in 2017. Costa has defeated fighters who are no longer active in the UFC, including Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero, and Uriah Hall. However, he has also experienced defeats at the hands of the current top-tier fighters in the middleweight division. Costa is known for his durability, powerful kicks, and solid punching power, yet sometimes struggles with strategic thinking during fights.

This upcoming fight between the two athletes could be exciting since they both prefer to engage in a stand-up battle. Despite their previous encounters not taking place, it’s high time they settle their rivalry and determine who would have emerged victorious. However, the exact timing of this match is uncertain. Cannonier needs rest after his grueling bout with Borralho, while Costa has fought twice this year and seems keen to stay active. A suitable return date for Costa hasn’t been announced yet.

2. Winner of Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland

No. 10 ranked Roman Dolidze and Kevin Holland are set to meet at UFC 307 on Oct. 5. With a win, the winner of this fight could look at a step-up in their ranking position. Both fighters also have a history of a fight never materializing with Cannonier. Dolidze was scheduled to face Cannonier at UFC Austin in December 2023, but, Cannonier withdrew due to an MCL tear. Cannonier and Holland were in talks to be a new short-notice main event for UFC Denver after Maycee Barber withdrew from her bout with Rose Namajunas. That did not happen due to a mix of Cannonier being on medical suspension from a stoppage loss a month before and him being unable to make weight on short notice.

1. Dolidze boasts impressive grappling credentials, stemming from his experiences in grappling, sambo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). His primary fighting abilities primarily revolve around a strong right hook, lethal leg locks, and solid endurance. Dolidze has notable victories against Anthony Smith, Jack Hermansson, and Phil Hawes. On the other hand, Holland’s background is diverse, encompassing kung fu, BJJ, and kickboxing. Holland demonstrates good durability, submission skills, knockout power, and explosiveness. His most significant wins include Michael Chiesa, Joaquin Buckley, and Gerald Meerschaert.

Cannonier might win this match, given that both contenders have demonstrated they struggle against the elite middleweights. Their aggressive styles could clash effectively with Cannonier’s pressure, leading to an engaging bout. Should Cannonier face the winner, it offers either fighter a chance to redeem themselves following previous setbacks. The fights between Dolidze and Holland, scheduled for October, align well with Cannonier’s potential return timeline, allowing him enough time to recuperate thoroughly. As seasoned athletes, their matchup could be intriguing because one may prove they can still compete at an advanced age.

3. Winner of Michel Pereira vs. Anthony Hernandez

No. 13 ranked Michel Pereira and No. 14 ranked Anthony Hernandez are both young up-and-comers, on winning streaks, who will face each other in a UFC APEX main event on Oct. 19. If the winner gets an impressive win as it extends their winning streak, they could earn themselves a crack in the top 10. Cannonier could be their top 10 test, as he seems to be a fighter open to fighting anyone anytime. The UFC may like the idea because they have a habit of feeding veterans, in the top 10 and on losing streaks, to young prospects in an attempt to introduce new talent. Pereira and Hernandez love to finish fights, leading to a hypothetical fight with Cannonier being impossible to disappoint.

Despite having a BJJ background, Pereira is primarily a striker with a unique style involving athletic jumping and backflipping. He is on an eight-fight winning streak, consisting of wins such as Khaos Williams, Niko Price, and Michał Oleksiejczuk. Pereira started MMA in 2011 and joined the UFC in 2019. With a high school wrestling background, Hernandez is a wrestler who has endurance, durability, good submission skills, and occasional striking. He is on a five-fight winning streak, which consists of victories over fighters such as Rodolfo Viera, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Roman Kopylov. While Hernandez started MMA in 2014, he joined the UFC in 2019.

Despite speculations that his next fight could be upcoming, it appears this will likely be Cannonier’s most challenging bout yet. As he nears the end of his career, the victor between Pereira and Hernandez is poised to enter their prime. However, Cannonier retains a significant edge in experience and has proven time and again that he’s no easy opponent to knock out. In a sense, this fight aligns with Cannonier’s anticipated return timeline. A fully-recovered Cannonier could potentially deliver an impressive performance and perhaps even reclaim his winning streak.

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2024-08-26 04:15