Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American heavyweight Jared Cannonier as he takes on former LSU football player and UFC heavyweight Shawn Jordan at UFC 182. Jared “Killa Gorilla” Cannonier Hometown: Dallas, Texas Age: 30 Height: 5’11” Weight: 240 lbs. Weight Class: Heavyweight Camp: MMA Lab Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background An undefeated heavyweight, “Killa” Cannonier finished his first six opponents prior to going five rounds in a split decision in his last bout. Outside of fighting, Cannonier works for the FAA as a transportation systems specialist. In the military, Cannonier began competing in the army combatives and began learning jiu jitsu. Strengths
- Surprisingly good boxing
- Capable of striking in combination with technique
- Good foot movement
- Above average athleticism for the division
Weaknesses
- Too reliant on foot movement to have success
- Ground game is a significant unknown
- Little to no previous experience in wrestling
- Limited training with UFC caliber fighters
Matchup with Shawn Jordan This is a matchup of two of the smallest heavyweights on the UFC’s roster. Both of these fighters are athletic, yet quick with decent foot movement. Cannonier is the better boxer, but Jordan has appeared to be pretty resilient having come from behind in several fights to earn victories. Since having begun his UFC career in 2012, Jordan has only lost to above average heavyweights such as Gabriel Gonzaga and Matt Mitrione. This is a significant step up in competition for Cannonier who has fought only in Alaska previously for a relatively small fight promotion. This is Cannonier’s first full camp and he has traveled all the way to Arizona to prepare with MMA Lab for this bout. With such limited fight experience, one has to imagine we’ll see skill improvements from Cannonier in this bout. I’m just not sure it’s enough against a fighter with significantly more experience against quality opposition like Jordan. Jordan has the ability to push the fight against the cage and make this an ugly fight or if it goes to the ground he should have a major advantage. I expect a competitive bout early on, but for Jordan to take control as the fight wears on in route to a victory. Given that there is so little fight footage of Cannonier available, it’s difficult to have too much confidence in how this fight will play out. UFC Ceiling Jared Cannonier is a decently talented fighter entering the UFC. There are some skills that should translate in the UFC such as hand / foot speed and his boxing technique. What will ultimately decide his future in the UFC is how much he improves from training with a legitimate fight camp like the MMA Lab. Cannonier’s competition level has been really poor thus far, so it’s impossible to say just how well he can compete against UFC caliber fighters. The Alaska native is only 30 years and that surprisingly makes him one of the younger fighters in the division. At this stage, he’s reminiscent of a fighter coming off “The Ultimate Fighter” with his first real fight in the UFC. How he responds to quality coaching will determine how well he will do in this sport. Fight Film Jared Cannonier vs. Jermaine Haughton