Michael Bisping’s suggestion of a Cannonier-Whittaker rematch isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a logical, compelling fight that would help clarify the middleweight title picture
For Cannonier, it’s an opportunity to erase the memory of their first encounter and potentially position himself for one last shot at UFC gold.
For Whittaker, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance and move one step closer to reclaiming the belt he once held. And for UFC fans, it’s a high-stakes showdown that promises fireworks.
The ball is now in the UFC’s court. Whether they go with Bisping’s idea or chart a different path for Cannonier, one thing is certain: after his UFC Vegas 102 triumph, Jared Cannonier is once again a name to watch in the middleweight division.
Gregory Rodrigues’ loss to Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 102 is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of MMA – but also of the heart and determination that define the sport.
While Cannonier moves closer to title contention, Rodrigues is already plotting his comeback, with his eyes firmly set on future victories and, ultimately, UFC gold.
Also Read: Jared Cannonier Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life And More
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Jared Cannonier’s Path Forward After UFC Vegas 102 Victory
A Crucial Win for Cannonier
At UFC Vegas 102, Jared Cannonier delivered a performance that reminded the MMA world why he remains a dangerous contender in the UFC’s middleweight division.1
With a decisive finish over Gregory Rodrigues, Cannonier not only snapped a two-fight losing streak but also reignited discussions about his place among the elite at 185 pounds.
The victory came at a pivotal moment in Cannonier’s career, as he entered the octagon with questions swirling about whether he could still compete at the highest level at the age of 40.
The emphatic nature of his win silenced some of those doubts, but as always in the UFC, one win is never enough.
The question now becomes: what’s next for Cannonier?
Michael Bisping’s Bold Suggestion
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has never been shy about offering his insights on the sport, and following Cannonier’s latest win, he had a clear suggestion: a rematch with Robert Whittaker.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping laid out why this fight makes perfect sense for both competitors.
“A rematch five years in the making, I think that makes all the sense in the world,” Bisping said. “Robert would want it because he’d look at it as a good fight to find his mojo, to come back from, to get a win, to get back in the win column, to beat somebody that he’s beaten before.”
Bisping went on to emphasize how significant a Whittaker rematch could be for Cannonier’s career, particularly given the Australian’s status as a former champion and perennial title contender.
“For Jared Cannonier, at 40 years old, Robert Whittaker is a massive household name in mixed martial arts. Everyone would want to see that fight, and it’s a chance for Jared to get that one back.”
But is this the right fight for Cannonier? To answer that, we need to break down where both fighters stand today.
The First Encounter: UFC 254
To understand why a rematch might make sense, it’s worth revisiting their first meeting at UFC 254 in October 2020.
On that night, Robert Whittaker defeated Cannonier by unanimous decision, showcasing superior striking and cage control.
Despite losing, Cannonier had his moments in the fight, most notably hurting Whittaker late in the third round with a powerful punch that nearly turned the tide.
At the time, the loss seemed to cement Whittaker’s place as the clear number-one contender, while Cannonier was forced to regroup.
But the MMA landscape is ever-changing, and both fighters have experienced their share of highs and lows since that night.
Jared Cannonier’s Journey Since UFC 254
Since losing to Whittaker, Cannonier has been on a rollercoaster ride in the middleweight division.
He bounced back with wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Derek Brunson, reaffirming his knockout power and resilience.
These victories earned him a shot at UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 276, but Cannonier came up short in a five-round decision loss.
The defeat to Adesanya was followed by another setback against rising contender Sean Strickland, raising questions about whether Cannonier’s time as a top-five fighter was coming to an end.
But with his dominant showing against Rodrigues, Cannonier proved that he’s still a force to be reckoned with—and perhaps even on the cusp of another title run.
Why a Whittaker Rematch Makes Sense
A rematch with Whittaker seems logical for several reasons.
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A Clear Narrative:
MMA fans love a redemption story, and Cannonier avenging his 2020 loss to Whittaker would be a compelling one. The UFC marketing machine thrives on storylines like these, and the build-up to the fight would undoubtedly generate interest. -
Title Implications:
Both Cannonier and Whittaker are just a win or two away from another crack at the middleweight belt. A rematch would serve as a de facto title eliminator, with the winner potentially positioning themselves for a championship fight against whoever holds the belt—whether that’s Adesanya, Strickland, or another emerging contender. -
Fan Demand:
While some rematches can feel unnecessary, this one has genuine intrigue. Whittaker has remained near the top of the division, but Cannonier’s recent resurgence adds a new layer of uncertainty to how a second fight might play out.
Jared Cannonier: Potential Risks for him
Of course, pursuing a rematch with Whittaker isn’t without its risks.
At 40 years old, Cannonier’s window of opportunity is closing, and another loss to Whittaker could push him further down the rankings, making a title shot increasingly elusive.
Additionally, Whittaker’s skill set—marked by precise striking, exceptional footwork, and high fight IQ—poses the same threats to Cannonier now as they did in 2020.
Cannonier would need to make significant adjustments to his game plan to avoid a repeat of their first fight.
Other Options for Cannonier
If the UFC opts not to book a Whittaker rematch, there are still several intriguing options for Cannonier:
- Marvin Vettori: Another top-five contender, Vettori’s grinding style would present a completely different challenge for Cannonier, and a win over “The Italian Dream” would carry significant weight in the division.
- Sean Strickland Rematch: Given their competitive first fight, a rematch with Strickland could be appealing—particularly if Cannonier believes he can make the necessary adjustments to secure a victory.
- Paulo Costa: Known for his explosive striking and aggressive style, a Cannonier vs. Costa matchup would be fireworks from start to finish and could easily serve as a Fight Night main event or a pay-per-view co-main event.
Regardless of who Cannonier faces next, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As a 40-year-old middleweight, every fight from here on out is, in essence, a must-win. One more loss could see him relegated to gatekeeper status—a fate that no elite fighter wants to accept.
But with the right matchup and a statement win, Cannonier could find himself knocking on the door of a title shot once again.
That’s the beauty of the UFC: the road to the top is never closed off, as long as a fighter has the skill, determination, and hunger to keep climbing.
Also Read: Payton Talbott On UFC 311 Opponents: Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland, and Jamahal Hill
Jared Cannonier’s Dominant Performance
From the opening bell, Jared Cannonier displayed the skill, experience, and composure that have made him a perennial contender in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Using precise striking, well-timed counters, and impressive cage control, Cannonier methodically broke down Rodrigues.
Rodrigues, known for his powerful striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess, attempted to close the distance and impose his grappling game.
However, Cannonier’s ability to maintain range, stuff takedowns, and land damaging strikes ultimately proved too much for Rodrigues.
By the third round, Cannonier’s consistent offense and tactical superiority left little doubt in the judges’ minds, earning him a unanimous decision victory.
Acknowledging Mistakes and Room for Growth
In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Gregory Rodrigues was candid in assessing his performance. Speaking to reporters in his post-fight interview, Rodrigues expressed disappointment but also determination to improve.
“I gave it my all, but tonight wasn’t my night,” Rodrigues admitted. “Jared is a tough guy, and he fought a smart fight. I made mistakes – I didn’t stick to the game plan, and against someone like Cannonier, you pay for that.”
Rodrigues acknowledged that while his striking was sharp, his inability to effectively close the distance and control the grappling exchanges cost him the fight.
Dealing with Defeat in the Public Eye
Losing in the UFC is never easy, especially when fighting in a high-profile bout. For Rodrigues, the emotional toll of the loss was evident. In his post-fight comments, he opened up about the psychological challenges that accompany defeat.
“When you train for months, sacrificing time with family and putting your body through hell, losing hurts. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally,” Rodrigues shared. “But this is the fight game – you have to be able to take a loss and come back stronger.”
Rodrigues’ honesty resonated with fans, many of whom praised him for his humility and sportsmanship.
Jared Cannonier’s Path Forward
With his victory over Rodrigues, Jared Cannonier reaffirmed his position as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division.
In his own post-fight interview, Cannonier expressed optimism about the future, reflecting on the setbacks of 2024 and his determination to make 2025 a comeback year.
“It feels great, man. 2024 was losses – not just in the octagon, but loss in my personal life, as well. 2024, I’m so happy to put that behind me. I’m so happy 2025 is getting off on a good note,” Cannonier stated.
He made it clear that he’s eyeing higher-ranked opponents, with hopes of earning a title shot in the near future.
For Gregory Rodrigues, the loss to Cannonier is a setback, but not a career-defining one. Known for his resilience and work ethic, Rodrigues is already thinking about his next steps and how to evolve as a fighter.
“I’ve lost before, and I’ve come back stronger. This is no different,” Rodrigues said. “I’ll watch the tape, learn from my mistakes, and get back in the gym. My goal hasn’t changed – I want to be a UFC champion.”
Rodrigues’ ability to take losses in stride and use them as fuel for improvement has been a hallmark of his career.
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Preparing for a Veteran Like Cannonier
- Leading up to UFC Vegas 102, Rodrigues had a grueling training camp designed to prepare him for Cannonier’s striking power and takedown defense. Despite the outcome, Rodrigues felt that the camp had helped him grow as a martial artist.
- “We knew Cannonier would be tough – he’s fought the best of the best. My team and I worked on a lot of specific strategies, and while I didn’t execute them perfectly, I learned a lot during this camp,” Rodrigues said.
- The learning experience from such a high-level fight camp will undoubtedly serve Rodrigues well in his future fights.
- As Rodrigues looks to bounce back, the UFC middleweight division offers no shortage of intriguing matchups. Potential opponents could include fellow rising contenders or established veterans looking to stay relevant in the rankings.
- “I’m ready for whatever the UFC gives me,” Rodrigues said. “I want to fight again soon, get back in the win column, and keep climbing.”
- A quick turnaround fight could help Rodrigues regain momentum and remind fans and matchmakers alike of his skill set and championship potential.
- MMA fans are known for their passion and loyalty, and in the wake of his loss, Rodrigues received an outpouring of support on social media. Many fans praised his toughness, heart, and willingness to fight top-tier competition.
- “Thank you to everyone who reached out and showed love,” Rodrigues posted on Instagram. “This journey is far from over.”
- The connection between fighters and fans is one of the most powerful aspects of the sport, and Rodrigues’ openness and humility have only strengthened that bond.
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