Sean Strickland's Rival Jared Cannonier Seeks Redemption, Eyes Middleweight Title

Sean Strickland's Rival Jared Cannonier Seeks Redemption, Eyes Middleweight Title

Jared Cannonier is looking to get back on track in the UFC, and a win over Christian Leroy Duncan could set him up for a highly anticipated rematch against Sean Strickland for the middleweight title.

What happened?

Cannonier is set to face Duncan in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 281 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. (Paramount+). This marks the second English striker that Cannonier will face, but he's confident that he'll come out on top this time around.

"I want to win-all three rounds," Cannonier said bluntly. "Not just when I get my hands on him. Absolutely not."

Why it matters for Sean Strickland

Cannonier's win over Duncan would put him in a strong position to face Strickland again, and he's already taken credit for sparking something in the current middleweight champion. Three fights after their initial meeting, Strickland went on to win the title.

"One thing I've noticed with his career is after his fight with Alex Pereira, and then he had me next, he really turned around," Cannonier said. "He really started taking it to the guys. Doing the man dance, you know? He said after my fight, he felt he fought like a bitch. His words, not mines. I think that really lit a fire in his ass, 'cause when he came back against Nassourdine Imavov, he took it to him. Imavov couldn't last."

What comes next?

A win over Duncan would be a significant step for Cannonier, and he's not ruling out the possibility of facing Strickland again. "I'm here for all possibilities to get that belt," Cannonier said. "I already got his card once. I don't know if he's moved past it or not."

Cannonier's path to the title is far from over, but a win over Duncan would be a crucial step in his journey. With a strong performance, he could be back in the mix for a title shot against Strickland in the near future.

Cannonier's confidence is high, and he's not afraid to speak his mind. "Hell no," he said when asked if the fight against Duncan would be similar to his previous outing against Michael Page. "I want to win-all three rounds. Not just when I get my hands on him. Absolutely not."

The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between Cannonier and Duncan, and the winner will be one step closer to facing Strickland for the middleweight title.