At UFC Vegas 75, Jared Cannonier put his name in the middleweight division’s record books. ‘The Killa Gorilla‘ did so with a spectacular performance during a 5-round war against fellow one-time title challenger, Marvin Vettori.
Jared landed the most significant strikes in the history of the promotion’s 185 lb division en route to a unanimous victory over Vettori. Cannonier fell short in his attempt to snatch away the gold from Israel Adesanya in July 2022. The 39-year-old bounced back with a victory over Sean Strickland by the end of the same year.
ALL TOUGHNESS. ALL HEART.
🦍 Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori go the distance in an absolute SLUGFEST. #UFCVegas75 pic.twitter.com/OkuknXSbYw
— UFC (@ufc) June 18, 2023
In his second consecutive win since the Adesanya loss, Cannonier officially landed 241 significant strikes, far and away overtaking the previous record of 186. ‘The Italian Dream‘ hurt Jared badly with a big punch early in the opening round. After nearly being out of there, Cannonier hurt Marvin with a heavy shot of his own, which lead to Vettori being in the most trouble he’s ever been in his career.
The granite chin of 🇮🇹🗿 @MarvinVettori on FULL display! #UFCVegas75 pic.twitter.com/HvFzGrPzBo
— UFC (@ufc) June 18, 2023
Vettori seemed to eat everything Jared threw at him for the first two rounds. The two gave one another everything they had as they entered the third round. Jared continued to tee off on a battered Marvin as the latter continued to show toughness and heart.
Jared Cannonier officially landed 241 significant strikes, good for 4th all-time in a single fight.
Cannonier and Vettori combined for 394 significant strikes, 4th all-time in a single fight and a middleweight record.
Both are the most of any fight in a weight class above 145.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 18, 2023
Even in the championship rounds, despite the onslaught of punishment, Vettori refused to back down. He landed a big head kick of his own right before the fourth round ended. The relentless pace continued in the final round as Jared kept his decade-younger opponent off balance. In the final minutes of the fight, Jared stung Marvin with a big shot before landing a takedown, followed by brutal ground and pound.
Fighters react to Jared Cannonier vs. Marvin Vettori
The wild exchanges between Cannonier and Vettori naturally caught the attention of fans and fighters alike. Several MMA personalities took to Twitter to sing praises of Jared’s performance and Marvin’s resilience.
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad compared tonight’s main event to a Rocky movie. Jon Fitch seemed to crack a joke at the Italian’s expense. Whereas, ‘The Last Stylebender‘ left a cryptic tweet for fans to interpret.
Here are some reactions on the matter –
This is a rocky movie
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) June 18, 2023
What a main event, two warriors leaving it in there ! #ufcvegas75
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) June 18, 2023
You don’t become a southpaw overnight! Vettori capitalizing and showing efficiency from a good stance. Action packed round! #UFCVegas75
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 18, 2023
Can see why Marvin hasn’t been finished in the ufc that’s was impressive to stay in there #UFCVegas75
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) June 18, 2023
Vitorri gettin pounded like veal scallopini
— Jon Fitch 🏴☠️ (@jonfitchdotnet) June 18, 2023
Jared Cannonier looking sharp. Great fight
Jared Cannonier parece afiado. grande luta
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) June 18, 2023
Main event was a banger.. Jared’s jab was on fire tonight! 🔥👊🏼
— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) June 18, 2023
Cannonier hit that contra code on him up up down down left right left right b a and Vettori still marched toward FOTN easy
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 18, 2023
One of those fights that make you realize how dangerous this is. Hope both men are good.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 18, 2023
Bro…
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) June 18, 2023
Jared Cannonier vs. Marvin Vettori did more than just enter the record books after UFC Vegas 75. The two also cashed an extra $50,000 for their “Fight of the Night” performances.
Cannonier is willing to fight Khamzat Chimaev but on one condition
During the post-fight Octagon interview, Jared shone a light on what his next target was right after the Adesanya loss. “After the Adesanya fight my goal was to increase my output,” said Cannonier, before moving on to acknowledge the fact that he has now put his name in the division’s record books.
He soon made it clear that he has his eyes still locked on the title. “You know I want the title shot. That’s what I’m here for,” he added. The Texas native also added that he’s willing to step in as a backup fighter should something go wrong for the upcoming UFC 290 bout between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis.
During the post-fight presser, Cannonier shared he’d take a fight against rising star Khamzat Chimaev, but on a pre-set condition. “He (Chimaev) is not even ranked, is he? I know he’s popular; everybody wants to see him do his thing,” Jared said.
“If they (UFC) called me and say, ‘Hey, Khamzat (versus you), for contender’s match,’ that’s a yes,” Cannonier continued. “I’m trying to get to the title. I’m not just fighting to entertain you people. I know you guys wanna see it. It will be a good fight. If that fight gets me the title shot, yes.”
Jared Cannonier seemed a little agitated when I asked him about a potential fight with Khamzat pic.twitter.com/MEqKst80QE
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) June 18, 2023
“If Dana (White) and Hunter (Campbell) and them say, ‘He’s between you and the champion,’ that’s something we can talk about,” he concluded.
With tonight’s victory, Jared is 4-1 in his last 5 Octagon outings. Marvin, on the other hand, has now dropped 3 of his last 5. Who do you think should ‘The Killa Gorilla’ face next? Let us know in the comments below.
