Match Maker Monday Following UFC Copenhagen
There’s a new middleweight contender in the UFC and his name is Jared Cannonier. The former heavyweight and light heavyweight fighter is now 3-0 at middleweight after finishing Jack Hermansson at UFC Copenhagen.
With the win Cannonier will now himself in the top five of the division, while Hermansson will have to work his way back into title contention.
Lets see what’s next for Cannonier and Hermansson in todays Match Maker Monday.
Jared Cannonier, middleweight
Result: Defeated Jack Hermansson via second-round TKO
Next: Yoel Romero
Don’t blink. Both Cannonier and Romero have the power to end someone’s night quickly. Therefore, this fight makes sense both stylistically and based on the rankings. Not to mention everyone would love to see these two heavy hitters through it down.
The winner of this fight would have a very good chance of getting a title shot so; they’ll be able to use each other in this match up. Romero wants to fight for a championship again and Cannonier is on a hot streak. This fight just seems to be best for both men.
Before these two step inside the cage, the middleweight division has some meaningful fights coming up. For instance, Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya fight this weekend at UFC 243 for the middleweight championship. Following the title fight, Kelvin Gastelum takes on former welterweight championship contender Darren Till. A lot of fun fights ahead for this division.
Jack Hermansson, middleweight
Result: Lost to Jared Cannonier via second-round TKO
Next: Derek Brunson
This must be a tough pill for Hermansson to sallow. Especially since a win would have gotten him into title contention. Now he has to work his way back up. Luckily for “The Joker” he won’t have that hard of a time getting back into the mix.
Some of the biggest names in the division — Luke Rockhold, Chris Weidman, Jacare Souza — are moving up to 205. Therefore, his road back towards the top shouldn’t be as hard.
In order for Hermansson to get back into contention, he should fight Derek Brunson. The winner of this fight would end up near, or possibly in the top five of the division.
Stylistically I think this would be a fun match up. Hermansson is a great grappler and Brunson hits hard. We just saw Hermansson face a heavy hitter that was able to stuff his takedowns. It didn’t end well for him, however a win over Brunson would be a huge boost for his confidence and prove that he can handle big punchers.
