Jared Cannonier Seeks Redemption Against Gregory Rodrigues in UFC Main Event

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier is set to resume his pursuit of victory as he faces Gregory Rodrigues in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday. The bout, taking place at UFC APEX, marks Cannonier’s first fight of 2025 following a challenging year.

Cannonier, 40, is keenly aware of the stakes after experiencing both triumph and defeat throughout his UFC career. He last fought in June 2024, where he sustained a broken arm during his loss to Caio Borralho. “Losing is not fun. But what more can you do?” Cannonier stated, acknowledging the setbacks he faced. “I had to heal up and try to get back to training and getting better.”

The Alaskan fighter began his UFC journey as a heavyweight and has since transitioned down to the middleweight division, becoming a notable contender. Cannonier narrowly lost his bid for the 185-pound championship against Israel Adesanya at UFC 276 in July 2022, leading to a string of two victories before suffering consecutive defeats to Nassourdine Imavov and Borralho. Despite these losses, he expressed a strong determination to reclaim his status in the middleweight rankings.

Cannonier reflected on the emotional toll of losing fights. “I wouldn’t wish it on nobody, except for my opponent!” he said, emphasizing the challenge competitors face when wrestling with defeat. He is focused on pushing forward. “It’s what you do afterward, it’s how you recover from them.”

As Cannonier prepares to take on Rodrigues, he recognizes the Brazilian’s grappling skills but is more cautious of his striking power. Rodrigues, who is currently on a three-fight winning streak, poses a significant challenge with victories over several talented fighters like Denis Tiuliulin and Brad Tavares. Cannonier noted, “He’s a very high-level fighter,” acknowledging the unique challenges Rodrigues presents.

Cannonier’s training camp has been tailored specifically to prepare for Rodrigues. “We’re aware of some of the unique challenges that he brings and have been adjusting camp as such to prepare for those unique qualities of his,” he explained. This focus on careful preparation illustrates Cannonier’s commitment to improving each time he enters the Octagon.

Having fought in three weight classes, Cannonier has amassed significant fight experience, which he believes is vital in distinguishing himself from the fighter he was in 2018 during his debut at UFC 230. “Experience is definitely a big difference, naturally,” Cannonier remarked. “But definitely experience. It’s always finding ways to do it better.”

As the UFC Fight Night approaches, fans can expect an intense matchup filled with thrilling exchanges. Cannonier’s simple but effective approach for 2025 encapsulates his mindset: “Win, train, get better. Enjoy life. That’s the cycle. That’s it.”

UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues will air live on Saturday, February 15. The preliminary bouts begin at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET.