Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland headline the final UFC card of the year at the UFC Apex. Let’s take a look at both men in the main event of UFC Vegas 66.
Jared ‘The Killa Gorilla’ Cannonier
Cannonier made his UFC debut back in 2014 and holds an 8-6 record inside the promotion – 15-6 overall. Only three of his victories have gone the distance, having ten KOs/TKOs and two submissions to his name. He started his UFC career as a heavyweight and has gradually moved down divisions, first going down to light heavyweight before finding himself at middleweight, where he has been since 2018. He has found lots of success at 185lbs, holding finishes over Anderson Silva, Jack Hermansson, and Derek Brunson and earning himself a title shot. The 38-year-old is now very experienced going into his fourth main event at UFC Vegas 66, having fought the best of the best. The Texas native is coming off of a title fight loss against the now former champion Israel Adesanya.
The MMA Lab fighter has big knockout power and puts a very aggressive pace on his opponents while throwing combinations. He has very effective low kicks, whether they be to the calf or the thigh and a good clinch game which he can use to stifle his opponent. His stance is quite fluid and doesn’t tend to settle in either orthodox or southpaw. Regarding his grappling, his takedown defence is serviceable and his ground game is good, making him a very well-rounded fighter.
Sean Strickland
Similarly, Strickland also made his UFC debut in 2014, possessing a 25-4 overall record (12-4 inside the UFC). He has ten KO/TKOs and four submissions with eleven decisions. He is the former King of the Cage champion on the regional scene and has built himself into a very experienced fighter over the years. The 31-year-old earned himself the #7 ranking in the middleweight division since his move up from welterweight. He was on a six-fight win streak including notable wins over Brendan Allen, Uriah Hall and, Jack Hermansson before running into the current champion, Alex Pereira, in July
The North Carolina man has a boxing-heavy style, with a consistent and powerful jab that bloodies his opponents’ face throughout the fight. The Syndicate MMA fighter is a very active striker, landing 5.54 significant strikes per minute (UFC Stats), and likes to pressure his opponents, although he is also very good at fighting off of the back foot. His grappling is also very underrated, with his takedown defence being 85% (UFC Stats), only being taken down once in the past five years, against Kamaru Usman. His offensive grappling is also pretty decent, he doesn’t really chase takedowns but will take the opportunity if presented, and when on the mat he has violent ground and pound.
How Do They Match Up?
In this fight, expect Sean Strickland to be looking to walk Jared Cannonier down with heavy jabs – with Cannonier looking to counter with a big right hand. The calf kick could be crucial to Cannonier having success in this fight, due to Strickland’s stance. Another key to victory for Cannonier could be to tie his opponent up against the fence, banking rounds and wearing Strickland down.
Prediction: As I said in the final section, I expect Sean Strickland to walk Jared Cannonier down with jabs, trying to wear him down – and that is what will win him this fight in my opinion. Sean Strickland via decision.
Featued image credits to Embed from Getty Images
