Jared Cannonier has secured knockout victories from heavyweight to middleweight. The only other fighter to do so is Conor McGregor, who went from featherweight to welterweight. Cannonier is on a two-fight winning streak, but his last UFC assignment was as a backup for UFC 293. Cannonier is 10-6 in the UFC but is 7-2 at middleweight, the only losses to Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya. With 4 Performance of the Night bonuses and 2 Fight of the Night bonuses, Whittaker is an exciting fighter at middleweight despite being 40 years old. Let’s look at three of Cannonier's best fights.

1. Jared Cannonier vs. Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 75

Fight Overview:

Cannonier faced Marvin Vettori in a hard-fought battle that showcased his resilience and striking power. The fight was a grueling five-round war that demonstrated Cannonier’s ability to endure and dominate against a tough opponent.

Key Moments:

• Round 1: Vettori rocked Cannonier early, setting a challenging tone for the fight.
• Round 2: Cannonier responded with powerful strikes and ground-and-pound, asserting his dominance.
• Round 3: A competitive round, but Cannonier’s superior damage output gave him the edge.
• Round 4: Both fighters traded strikes, but Cannonier’s impactful blows scored better.
• Round 5: Cannonier continued his dominance, landing significant strikes and controlling the fight.
• Result: Cannonier won via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46). This performance earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.

2. Jared Cannonier vs. Jack Hermansson at UFC Copenhagen

Fight Overview:

In a pivotal middleweight bout, Cannonier took on Jack Hermansson. This fight was crucial for Cannonier as it marked his ascent in the middleweight rankings.

Key Moments:

• Round 1: Hermansson aggressively attacked with leg kicks and takedown attempts, but Cannonier’s defense and counter-strikes were effective.
• Round 2: Hermansson attempted more leg kicks, but Cannonier stuffed a takedown and landed a powerful uppercut, knocking Hermansson off balance.
• Finish: Cannonier followed up with a swarm of punches, forcing the referee to stop the fight just 27 seconds into the second round.
• Result: Cannonier won via TKO (Punches), earning the Performance of the Night bonus and solidifying his position as a top middleweight contender.

3. Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson at UFC 271

Fight Overview:

Cannonier faced Derek Brunson in a high-stakes middleweight bout with potential title implications. The fight highlighted Cannonier’s striking prowess and ability to turn the tide even when pressured.

Key Moments:

• Round 1: Both fighters exchanged strikes aggressively. Brunson succeeded with multiple takedowns, but Cannonier’s powerful counters kept the round competitive.
• Round 2: Brunson pursued more takedowns, but Cannonier’s superior striking and resilience became evident. Brunson appeared fatigued and absorbed heavy shots.
• Finish: Cannonier delivered a series of devastating elbows, knocking out Brunson at 4:29 of the second round.
• Result: Cannonier won via KO (Elbows), earning the Performance of the Night bonus and positioning himself as a potential title challenger.

Jared Cannonier’s top performances highlight his exceptional striking power, resilience, and ability to finish fights decisively. His victories over Vettori, Hermansson, and Brunson have solidified his reputation as a formidable middleweight contender. As he prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Louisville, these standout fights serve as a testament to his skill and potential for further success in the division.