Following a tough loss to Caio Borralho at UFC Vegas 96, Jared Cannonier will be looking to rebound and secure his position in the UFC Middleweight division. With a record of 16-7 in the UFC, here are three intriguing opponents who could be next for "The Killa Gorilla"

1. Paulo Costa

- Current Status: #9 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
- Record: 14 wins, 4 losses. Recent bouts include a split decision loss to Sean Strickland in June 2024 and a unanimous decision loss to Robert Whittaker in February 2024.
- Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Costa is a high-profile fighter with a powerful striking game. A bout against Costa could serve as a high-stakes opportunity for Cannonier to reassert himself in the top ten. Additionally, Costa’s recent performances have been closely contested, making this a compelling and competitive matchup.

2. Michel Pereira

- Current Status: #14 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
- Record: 31 wins, 11 losses. Notable recent wins include a submission victory over Ihor Potieria in May 2024 and a TKO win against Andre Petroski in October 2023.
- Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Pereira is known for his dynamic and unpredictable fighting style. A clash with Pereira would provide Cannonier with a chance to showcase his striking against a versatile and entertaining opponent. Pereira’s recent form has been strong, making this a challenging and exciting fight.

3. Chris Curtis

- Current Status: #15 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
- Record: 31 wins, 11 losses. Recent bouts include a split decision loss to Brendan Allen in April 2024 and a split decision win over Marc-André Barriault in January 2024.
- Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Curtis is known for his knockout power and resilience. This matchup would test Cannonier’s ability to handle an aggressive and durable opponent. Curtis’s recent split decisions highlight the competitive nature of his fights, suggesting a closely matched bout with Cannonier.