Jared Cannonier facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jared Cannonier
Cannonier at UFC Fight Night 160 in 2019
Born	Jared Christopher Cannonier (1984-03-16) March 16, 1984 (age 41) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Other names	Tha Killa Gorilla
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Division	Heavyweight (2011–2016) Light Heavyweight (2016–2018) Middleweight (2018–present)
Reach	77+1⁄2 in (197 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Team	Legacy Jiu Jitsu Alaska MMA Lab (2017–present)
Rank	Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active	2011–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	25
Wins	17
By knockout	10
By submission	2
By decision	5
Losses	8
By knockout	3
By decision	5

Jared Christopher Cannonier (born March 16, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He is known for competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He currently fights in the Middleweight division. As of October 28, 2024, he is ranked #8 among UFC middleweight fighters.

Jared Cannonier's Mixed Martial Arts Journey

Jared Cannonier's journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) began in 2011. He started as an amateur, winning his first two fights by knockout. Soon after, in June 2011, he made his professional debut in Alaska. Over the next five years, he built an impressive record, winning all seven of his fights.

Joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

First Fights in the UFC

In October 2014, Jared Cannonier joined the UFC, which is a big deal in the world of mixed martial arts. His first UFC fight was on January 3, 2015, at UFC 182. He faced Shawn Jordan in a Heavyweight match. Unfortunately, he lost this fight in the first round by knockout.

Later that year, he was supposed to fight Jonathan Wilson. However, Jared had to pull out because of an injury.

Moving to Lighter Weight Classes

After taking a break for 18 months, Cannonier returned to the UFC on April 10, 2016. He fought Cyril Asker and won by knockout with a mix of elbows and punches. This win also earned him his first "Performance of the Night" bonus award.

For his third UFC fight, Cannonier decided to move to a lighter weight class: Light Heavyweight. On December 3, 2016, he faced Ion Cuțelaba. Cannonier won this exciting fight by a unanimous decision. This match was so good that both fighters earned a "Fight of the Night" bonus.

Challenges and Victories in 2017

In 2017, Cannonier signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC. His first fight under this new contract was against Glover Teixeira at UFC 208. He lost this fight by unanimous decision.

Later that year, he was set to fight Steve Bossé. But Bossé was replaced by a new fighter, Nick Roehrick, just days before the event. Cannonier won this fight by TKO in the third round.

In December 2017, Cannonier was scheduled to fight Antônio Rogério Nogueira. However, Nogueira was removed from the fight due to a possible doping violation. Cannonier then fought Jan Błachowicz instead, losing by unanimous decision.

Switching to Middleweight in 2018

Cannonier faced Dominick Reyes on May 19, 2018, and lost by TKO in the first round.

Later in 2018, Cannonier made another big change. He moved down to the Middleweight division. He fought David Branch at UFC 230 and won by technical knockout in the second round. This impressive win earned him another "Performance of the Night" award.

Big Wins in 2019

In 2019, Cannonier continued his success in the middleweight division. On May 11, he faced former UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 237. Cannonier won by TKO in the first round after a strong kick to Silva's leg.

He then fought Jack Hermansson on September 28, 2019. Cannonier won this fight by TKO in the second round. This victory earned him his third "Performance of the Night" bonus.

Injuries and Tough Fights in 2020

Cannonier was supposed to fight former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker in March 2020. However, Whittaker pulled out of the fight.

Cannonier was also going to be a backup fighter for a championship match. But he announced in February 2020 that he had torn a muscle, which meant he would be out of action for about six months.

He eventually faced Robert Whittaker on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254. Cannonier lost this fight by unanimous decision. After the fight, he shared that he had broken his arm during the first round.

Continuing the Journey in 2021 and 2022

In 2021, Cannonier was set to fight Paulo Costa, but Costa withdrew. Kelvin Gastelum stepped in, and Cannonier won the fight by unanimous decision.

Starting a new six-fight contract in 2022, Cannonier was scheduled to fight Derek Brunson. The fight was moved to UFC 271 on February 12, 2022. Cannonier won by knockout in the second round, earning another "Performance of the Night" bonus.

On July 2, 2022, Cannonier got a chance to fight for the UFC Middleweight Championship against Israel Adesanya at UFC 276. He lost the championship bout by unanimous decision.

Later that year, he was supposed to fight Sean Strickland, but Strickland withdrew due to an infection. They were rebooked for December 17, 2022, and Cannonier won the fight by split decision.

Record-Breaking Performance in 2023

On June 17, 2023, Cannonier faced Marvin Vettori at UFC on ESPN 47. Cannonier won by unanimous decision. In this fight, he set a new record for the most significant strikes landed in a UFC middleweight bout, with 241 strikes! This amazing performance also earned him his second "Fight of the Night" bonus.

Unfortunately, in October 2023, he suffered a knee injury during training and had to pull out of a scheduled fight.

Recent Fights in 2024 and Beyond

Cannonier faced Nassourdine Imavov on June 8, 2024. He lost this fight by technical knockout in the fourth round.

Looking ahead, Cannonier is scheduled to fight Gregory Rodrigues on February 15, 2025. This will be the main event at UFC Fight Night 251.

Jared Cannonier's Personal Life

Before becoming a professional mixed martial artist, Jared Cannonier served in the United States Army.

Jared Cannonier's Achievements

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Ion Cuțelaba, Marvin Vettori and Caio Borralho
  • Performance of the Night (Four times) vs. Cyril Asker, David Branch, Jack Hermansson, and Derek Brunson
  • Most significant strikes landed in a UFC Middleweight bout (+241 vs Marvin Vettori)
  • Fourth most significant strikes landed in a fight in UFC history (+241 vs Marvin Vettori)
  • One of two fighters (Conor McGregor) to have knockout victories in three different weight classes
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2018: Ranked #3 Upset of the Year vs. David Branch
• Alaska Fighting Championship
  • AFC Heavyweight Championship (One time)
• MMAjunkie.com
  • 2023 June Fight of the Month vs. Marvin Vettori

Mixed martial arts record summary

See also

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists