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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.
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.
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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.
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.
“I've only gotten better.”
Jared Cannonier is confident he has everything in his locker to take out Christian Leroy Duncan and cement his spot in the middleweight rankings.
How To Watch #UFCOKC: https://t.co/8hweKmNBEY
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