The UFC’s Middleweight division is abuzz with anticipation following Sean Strickland‘s stunning victory over former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. ‘Tarzan,’ as Strickland is affectionately known, decisively won the title fight at UFC 293, sending shockwaves through the MMA world. With contenders like Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker vying for a title shot, there’s no shortage of challenges.
Now, adding to this list, an unexpected UFC star has expressed his desire to clash with the new middleweight champ. We’re talking about Jared Cannonier – the Middleweight star who weighed in as the backup fighter for the UFC 293 middleweight title clash. Moreover, ‘The Killa Gorilla’ has extended a bold callout to ‘Tarzan,’ sending MMA fans into a meltdown.
Jared Cannonier throws down the gauntlet: another callout for Sean Strickland
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Jared Cannonier is undoubtedly one of the most underrated fighters in UFC’s middleweight division. Although he boasts a staggering 23 -17- 6 record, many fans believe that he’s the ‘dark horse’ of the Middleweight division. However, it seems like Israel Adesanya’s middleweight title clash with Sean Strickland may have sparked a deep-rooted wish within ‘The Killa Gorilla’s heart.
Now, taking to his Instagram handle, Cannonier has called out Sean Strickland. And what is he saying? Well, he lays out a clear challenge to Sean Strickland, the newly crowned middleweight champion.
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His IG post’s caption read: “If you’re a true hand to hand combat fan like me and not in it for the ass actors and their theatrics, then you know this is the fight to make. I beat the champ and got two checks to prove it. He wasn’t walking me down screaming in my face either. Nobody does that to me. The only other MW to beat him has ascended. He fought him differently than he fought me as well. On top of that he said it himself that he “fought like a b**ch” so here’s your chance to redeem your man card @strickland_mma_ let’s actually do the man dance brother. P.S I was high as hell on that poster.”
The #4 UFC middleweight seems to be keen on getting a shot at Strickland’s title and made some serious arguments to back his claim. By using phrases like “here’s your chance to redeem your man card,” Cannonier injects a sense of rivalry and pride into the callout. But what could be behind this sudden burst of emotion from ‘The Killa Gorilla’?
The rivalry between Sean Strickland and ‘The Killa Gorilla’
Jared Cannonier has his sights firmly set on a rematch with Sean Strickland. The two headlined UFC Vegas 66 in a memorable bout that saw ‘The Killa Gorilla’ claim a hard-fought split decision victory. Ironically enough, post-fight, ‘Tarzan’ claimed that it was he who had ultimately won – and the outcome ultimately did work in his favor. With two more victories under his belt, he earned a title shot and went on to dethrone Israel Adesanya, becoming the new middleweight champion.
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Given Cannonier’s prior triumph over Sean Strickland, he is now clamoring for a rematch, hoping that the champion will seek to avenge his previous loss. However, the path to a title shot remains uncertain.
While Cannonier calls for the opportunity, there’s a possibility that Israel Adesanya might receive an immediate rematch, and Dricus Du Plessis also presents a compelling case for a title shot. Yet, Cannonier’s victory over Strickland stands as a strong argument, leaving the champ with a tantalizing choice for his first title defense.
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Whether it becomes a reality or not, one thing is clear: Cannonier is determined to seize his chance to redeem his ‘man card’ and etch his name among the elite of the UFC’s middleweight division. What do you think? Will Dana White and Co. take note of ‘The Killa Gorilla’s demands? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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