Gatekeeper?!?
Former Final Combating Championship (UFC) Middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier competes in his fifth straight fundamental occasion this weekend (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) at UFC Vegas 102 as he takes on the surging knockout artist Gregory Rodrigues contained in the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Killa Gorilla” is in a bizarre place. He’s nonetheless ranked No. 7 within the Middleweight division however is now on his first dropping streak since transferring all the way down to 185 lbs. These losses are to younger, hungry newer names within the division and now he’s dealing with one other harmful unranked fighter this weekend.
At 40 years previous, Cannonier threw out the time period “gatekeeper” at UFC Vegas 102 media day (watch right here) regardless that he doesn’t really feel like he’s at that stage of his profession.
“I’m dropping fights in opposition to these up-and-comers and opening the door for them,” Cannonier informed reporters immediately. “I don’t wish to say it, but it surely’s not like I’ve discovered myself in a gatekeeper form of place, but it surely sort of smells prefer it should you’re on the surface, however shit, I don’t know.”
“I’m simply analyzing [the situation] for you,” Cannonier added. “This isn’t how I really feel. I don’t actually think about all of this shit after I’m considering what I’m doing every day or after I’m matching up with these guys. I’m simply getting ready to go to warfare with one other huge up-and-comer.”
Figuring out whether or not Cannonier has entered gatekeeper territory is troublesome, however the reply could also be clear this Saturday.
MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of all the UFC Vegas 102 combat card RIGHT HERE, beginning with the ESPN+ preliminary card bouts at 4 p.m. ET, adopted by the remaining fundamental card steadiness on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.
To take a look at the most recent and best UFC Vegas 102 information and notes remember to hit up our complete occasion archive right here. For the up to date and finalized “Cannonier vs. Rodrigues” combat card and ESPN+ lineup click on right here.
