Jared
Cannonier isn’t bothered by the impression that he’s become a
gatekeeper in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship’s middleweight division.

A former title challenger and longtime contender at 185 pounds,
Cannonier will look to defend his place in the rankings when he
meets rising prospect Christian
Leroy Duncan at
UFC Oklahoma City on July 18. Rather than viewing the matchup
as a springboard for Duncan, „The Killa Gorilla“ sees it as another
opportunity to prove he still belongs among the division’s
elite.

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Jared Cannonier says facing Christian Leroy Duncan is another
chance to protect his UFC middleweight ranking and restart his
title pursuit

While many veteran fighters see being a divisional gatekeeper as a
negative, Cannonier is taking it in his stride. The 42-year-old
acknowledges that he’s struggled with consistency in his last few
bouts, which set up the clash against the 30-year-old Brit riding a
four-fight win streak.

“So here I am, the guy who hasn’t been able to win as consistently
as I would like,” Cannonier said. “So therefore, I am having to
welcome these guys to the division.”

He then claimed that he appreciates the UFC for the booking, seeing
it as an opportunity to return to the win column and potentially
move closer to the title picture.

“So, that’s been my career for the last couple of years,” he added.
“And, you know, these are really good opportunities for me to
maintain my position and start redirecting myself back towards that
title. So, for that, I am appreciative of the company for this
matchup.”

Cannonier has lost three of his last four Octagon outings and his
UFC record stands at 11-9.

IMAK ADMIN

By IMAK ADMIN

Internationaler Kampfkunst und Kampfsport Kleinanzeiger