Most UFC fans are aware of the crazy altercation between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis, at UFC 290. However, ‘Stillknocks’ won’t be squaring off against Izzy at UFC 293 due to an injury. Bummer, right? But the UFC big shots aren’t wasting any time. They have once again started looking at their Middleweights to select a replacement for Du Plessis. And the brightest names that they currently have are Sean Strickland and Jared Cannonier.
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Strickland seemed game, but in a recent interview with the noted YouTuber and sports reporter Helen Yee, ‘Tarzan’ indirectly implied that he would be needing a larger sum of money to fight Adesanya at such short notice. That leaves us with ‘The Killa Gorilla’, Cannonier himself. A significant number of fight fans also view Cannonier as the worthier opponent to replace Du Plessis. Helen Yee recently caught up with the fighter and talked about whether he was ready to take on Adesanya at the UFC 293.
Jared Cannonier reveals he would love to get a call from Dana White
Cannonier and Adesanya fought at UFC 276 in July 2022. However, ‘Izzy’ successfully retained his belt via a decision win in round 5. Now it looks like the opportunity to redeem his previous loss has come knocking at his door. Cannonier didn’t need a second invitation to speak his mind. The 39-year-old stated, “I’m ready to get back in, when it is?, September 9, September 3? Whatever day it is, UFC 293 is going down.”
He also pointed out that he was already at the gym working out and was absolutely ready to fight. Cannonier said, “As you guys can see, I’m here. My shirt is a little sweaty, just finished a good little workout. I’m getting better and I’m ready to go in there as of right now.”
His next words indicated that he would also expect a call asking him to take the Middleweight Championship bout against ‘Izzy’. “I got my phone not on silent, so I’ll hear the calls coming in from my manager, from the UFC, from anybody saying, ‘Hey. You’re in’. But we’ll see you know,” said ‘The Killa Gorilla’.
However, he was also realistic enough to acknowledge that the UFC matchmakers, Dana White, Hunter Campbell, and Mick Maynard, might have different plans as well. Having said that, he has not been sparing any words about Strickland as a potential contender.
Jared Cannonier doubts Sean Strickland’s self-confidence
It’s quite evident that the UFC has another worthy contender apart from Sean Strickland. Also, looking at their nature of denying fighter’s demands, there’s a real possibility of Strickland being removed from the bout after demanding a healthier payout for himself.
Now that Cannonier has also presented himself as ready to accept the UFC 293 bout, the promotion has options. In fact, he felt Sean Strickland himself believes he can’t win against Adesanya, but just wants to make big money. Hence, Cannonier is of the opinion he makes a worthy opponent to challenge the title.
In addition to this, Cannonier and Strickland faced off back in December 2022. Their bout ended in The Killa Gorilla’s victory, in round 5 via split decision.
The UFC authorities and Dana White might look to pit the cheaper yet worthy fighter against ‘Izzy’. Do you think the UFC might opt for a change and plot Cannonier against Adesanya despite the talks with Strickland?
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