Since his UFC debut in 2015, Jared Cannonier has fought in three separate divisions. He debuted as a heavyweight before moving to light heavyweight. He has now fought three-straight fights as a middleweight, and it looks like he might be here to stay.
The No. 9-ranked middleweight, Cannonier earned his third consecutive knockout win at 185 pounds, finishing No. 5-ranked Jack Hermansson in the second round of their UFC Copenhagen main event fight at Royal Arena.
Hermansson opened the fight at an explosive pace, attempting an early takedown that Connier defended well. Keeping up the attack, he had better luck with his second attempt as he suplexed Cannonier to the mat, though it didn't appear to phase the Arizonan who rose quickly with little damage actually done.
Cannonier remained composed throughout the onslaught, and began to take over in the latter portion of the round. With Hermansson having clearly expelled a ton of energy in the opening round, Cannonier became the aggressor in round two. He landed a powerful right uppercut that sent Hermansson to the canvas. Although he attempted to cover up, the vicious ground-and-pound from Cannonier prompted referee Marc Goddard to stop the fight just 27 seconds into round.
Cannonier, who moves to 13-4, was humble in his post-fight interview, thanking Hermansson for the opportunity. His win over the No. 5-ranked middleweight puts him in contention for the belt and while he isn't really the trash-talking type, he certainly made it known that he wants a title shot.
"After a win like that, I feel on top of the world," Cannonier said. "I guess I was the better man tonight. Jack tried his best, he’s a warrior and I expected nothing less from him. I feel that I can overcome just about anything, anything anybody can throw at me."
The loss snaps Jack Hermansson's four-fight win streak.