UFC 254 Whittaker vs Cannonier: Stakes are high as winner can get title shot against Adesanya


UFC 254 Whittaker vs Cannonier: Stakes are high as winner can get title shot against Adesanya
Robert Cannonier vs Jared Cannonier at UFC 254

The co-main event for UFC 248 was supposed to be a middle-weight fight between Jared Cannonier and Robert Whittaker. However, the fight saw Whittaker withdrawing citing “undisclosed personal reasons”. His previous fight was a losing effort to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243, who won the middleweight title as a result. And now, Whittaker vs Cannonier is once again scheduled for UFC 254. This time however the stakes will be raised, with the winner earning a potential number one contender’s spot for Adesanya’s title.

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Possible no.1 contender’s spot on the line

The winner of Whittaker vs Cannonier could possibly face Adesanya for the middleweight title

While talking to the media after UFC Fight Island 6 weigh-ins, UFC president Dana White talked the next potential opponent for UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The UFC President feels that the winner of Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier should be the next challenger for the belt. He went on to say,

The winner of Cannonier vs Whittaker should get the next shot. He said he will fight Cannonier, I already beat Whittaker. But the Whittaker fight if Whittaker wins makes a lot of sense too.”

It looks like the “last style-bender” is reportedly up for it as well. “So I already DM’d Cannonier, he’s a hell of a dude, I love his energy. He’s a beautiful, beautiful man. And I said “You destroy Robert Whittaker and you’re next”. He’s the one I want to fight next. He deserves it if he beats Robert Whittaker handily and dominates him, he’s next.” Adesanya said.

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With the fight almost confirmed by the president, it’s safe to say that both Whittaker and Cannonier will be going all out. His loss to Adesanya will definitely be stinging Whittaker, and he will no doubt be looking for redemption. Cannonier, though has been sensational since moving down to middleweight from light-heavyweight, having a record of 13-4.

It is inevitable for one of these men to face Adesanya and their bout will certainly have all eyes on it.

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