J. Cannonier at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
If on the one hand Gregory Robocop has the opportunity to 'jump the queue' and enter the top 10 of the middleweights (up to 83,9 kg) with a victory against the seventh placed Jared Cannonier, the American is in a very different situation. Close to turning 41 and on a streak of two consecutive defeats, the American has been serving as a test for young up-and-coming fighters in the last few rounds, and the fighter himself seems to be aware of this.
See too
On media day ufc vegas 102, held this Wednesday (13), Cannonier spoke about the current phase and how the defeats for Nassourdine Imavov e Caio Borralho may have influenced the public and media's perception of them.
“I’m losing these fights against the rookies and opening the door for them. I don’t want to say that, but it’s not like I’ve found myself in a gatekeeper position, but it kind of smells like that if you’re on the outside, you know what I mean? I don’t really consider that when I’m thinking about what I’m doing on a daily basis or when I’m matched up to fight these guys. I’m just getting ready to go to war with another rookie,” the fighter said.
Caio Borralho e Jared Cannonier won the 'Fight of the Night' award at the ufc vegas 96. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Despite this, he recognized the Brazilian's talent and achievements and said he was not bothered by the situation he was experiencing.
“I think he deserved what he got. I guess you could consider me the sacrificial lamb in that regard, right? That’s the name of the game: We fight each other. I try to separate the emotional aspect of what we’re doing here. This is a business. We’re doing business. So that’s it,” he concluded.
Gregory Rodrigues is severely underrated pic.twitter.com/hunAkjCjLH
— (@EJCERA0) September 17, 2024
You need login To comment.