Pros React To Cannonier’s Stoppage Win Against Rodrigues

MMA pros have reacted to Jared Cannonier’s win against Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Vegas 102. 

Cannonier extended his record to 18-8 with a fourth-round stoppage. But he had to do it the hard way after getting off the canvas twice. He had the most difficult of starts. Rodrigues connected with two right hands to send Cannonier crashing to the canvas. That was a major wake-up call for the 40-year-old. He turned things around with a more composed second round. He focused on switching his attacks, targeting the midsection, legs and head.

The move paid off in round three. Cannonier connected with a standing elbow. He could have stopped his man, only for the bell to save Rodrigues, who survived the round. But it was just a short moment of relief. Cannonier ended things in the next round once he got his man to the canvas with a flurry of strikes. He was understandably delighted with his performance, as were his fellow MMA pros. 

Reaction

“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, on a good foot. Camp was great. I learned a lot throughout camp. The whole fight week process was awesome. If you were to look at the rankings, I would like a ranked opponent for sure.

“I think for sure, I’m going to get a ranked opponent after that victory. I would like to fight a ranking higher than me. Unfortunately, all the people ranked higher than me are either in line for a title shot or on the way for a title shot, or just beat me. But I’m not going to rule anything out. If they say, ‘Hey, Jared, we need you to fight Dricus for the belt,’ I’m like, ‘Hell yes. I’m ready,” Cannonier said