Jared Cannonier proved his top-level credentials at middleweight by derailing the momentum of a surging European contender.
Cannonier faced Jack Hermansson in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 18 in September 2019, where he looked to put a halt to the streaking Swede.
Hermansson was very aggressive from the start, pressing forward and throwing hard leg kicks at Cannonier. He immediately shot in for a takedown, but Cannonier was able to defend and disengage. However, shortly after, Hermansson dragged Cannonier down and took his back, but Cannonier powered his way out of trouble.
Cannonier started to find his rhythm midway through Round 1 and stuffed Hermansson’s next few takedown attempts. He also enjoyed some success with his own leg kicks.
In Round 2, Hermansson came out aggressive once again, but Cannonier was able to perfectly counter a takedown attempt by blasting him with an uppercut that sent him to the canvas. “The Killa Gorilla” then unleashed some additional ground strikes to force the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
Cannonier (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) returns Saturday when he takes on Robert Whittaker (21-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC 254, which takes place at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Before he faces Whittaker, relive Cannonier’s finish of Hermansson via the video above.