Cannonier has an interesting journey in the UFC. Initially entering the promotion as a Heavyweight, Cannonier went just 1-1, trading first-round finishes before dropping to 205 lbs. Cannonier continued to produce mixed results though, going under .500 including a stoppage defeat to recent Light Heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes. Suddenly, in the midst of a two-fight slump, Cannonier then made the move to Middleweight, transforming his career in the process.
‘The Killa Gorilla’ is without defeat since, scoring three TKO victories and rapidly climbing the ranks as a result. Anderson Silva was the second of those names, with Cannonier rendering the iconic former champion unable to continue after a well-placed low kick. Though the circumstances were unique to say the least, Cannonier swiftly scored a career-best win, and all in front of a booing Brazilian crowd too.
While Silva remains the most famed name on Cannonier’s résumé, his strongest performance came next. With the surging Jack Hermansson opposite him, Cannonier truly announced his title aspirations, scoring a stoppage victory in his very first UFC main event. That showing encapsulated Cannonier’s greatest strengths too, using poise and athleticism to keep the fight upright against an aggressive Hermansson.
Cannonier’s dynamic striking then took centre stage, punishing Hermansson’s latest takedown attempt and landing a sharp uppercut for the 2nd round win. Though he entered the fight as an underdog, Cannonier left the octagon with a different perception, suddenly cemented as one of the division’s strongest contenders.
When his biggest fight yet arrived, he fought valiantly. Whittaker and Cannonier put everything on the line for three great rounds. Cannonier found himself in trouble a few different times, but continued to fight back. In the third round, Whittaker landed a monster shot. The challenger survived the onslaught, and made it to the final bell. It was a valiant effort, but Whittaker earned every bit of the victory.
