Jared Cannonier Wanted UFC Title Shot Instead
At the age of 39, Cannonier has expressed urgency in trying to get another title opportunity. He even took to his Instagram account to tell UFC CEO Dana White to ditch an immediate rematch between Strickland and Adesanya, and have him fight Strickland for the 185-pound gold. Instead, he’s fighting down the rankings, while Chimaev would likely surpass him in the title hunt if he can defeat Paulo Costa at UFC 294 on October 21.
Initially, Cannonier told SportsKeeda that he wouldn’t take another fight right away if a middleweight title fight wasn’t already booked.
“I’m ranked at the top of the division. There’s a good reason why nobody’s saying my name. There’s people at the back of the pack who want to climb and claw their way to the top… they don’t know what they’re in for. I ain’t trying to look back at them… If they schedule the title fight tomorrow, then I ain’t gonna be like, ‘I gotta wait until the title fight.’ … But if the title fight ain’t scheduled, I ain’t gonna schedule myself up, tie myself up, and miss this opportunity. If you ain’t gonna tell me what’s up, If I gotta wait and see…”
It appears Cannonier waited long enough to realize he wasn’t getting the title fight right away.
