After his loss at UFC Louisville, Jared Cannonier has several intriguing options for his next opponent. Whether he faces Brendan Allen, Roman Dolidze, or Paulo Costa, each potential matchup offers Cannonier a chance to rebound and reaffirm his status as a top contender in the middleweight division.

1. Brendan Allen

• Background: Cannonier’s loss to Imavov dropped him to the 5th spot in the middleweight rankings, while Allen currently sits at 7th. Allen boasts a seven-fight winning streak, with five of those wins coming via rear-naked choke finishes. Cannonier’s excellent takedown defense could pose a challenge for Allen’s grappling-oriented fighting style, potentially favoring Cannonier’s striking abilities.
• Reason: A matchup between Cannonier and Allen makes sense for both fighters. For Allen, a victory over a former title challenger like Cannonier would bolster his title aspirations. Conversely, a win over a streaking contender like Allen would demonstrate that Cannonier still belongs among the division’s elite.

2. Roman Dolidze

• Background: Dolidze is coming off a majority decision loss to Nassourdine Imavov, marking his second consecutive defeat after a three-fight winning streak. Cannonier’s victory over Marvin Vettori, who previously defeated Dolidze, adds an interesting narrative to this potential matchup.
• Reason: Dolidze’s ranking at 10th in the division offers Cannonier a chance to rebound with a victory against a lower-ranked opponent. The matchup presents an opportunity for Cannonier to regain momentum and potentially climb back up the rankings. For Dolidze, a victory over a former title challenger like Cannonier could propel him into the top 5 despite his recent setbacks.

3. Paulo Costa

• Background: Costa has experienced a slump since losing his undefeated record to Israel Adesanya, with a recent loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302. Both Cannonier and Costa are former title challengers who have faced Adesanya in the past, adding intrigue to a potential matchup between them.
• Reason: Despite Costa’s recent struggles, a matchup with Cannonier presents an opportunity for both fighters to prove their relevance in the division. The winner could position themselves for a number one contender fight with a strong performance, making this a high-stakes matchup for both Cannonier and Costa.