Jared Cannonier Wants Darren Till, Believes He’s One Big Win From Title Shot
Jared Cannonier has emerged as one of the top contenders in the UFC’s middleweight division.
The weight class is currently run by none other than Israel Adesanya. While Adesanya’s first title defense has yet to be determined – although it’s widely believed Yoel Romero will be the man for the job – there are plenty of contenders who are one big win away from a title opportunity.
Speaking to Helen Yee, Cannonier called for a fight with Darren Till, who recently defeated Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 244 in the co-main event. Cannonier believes a big win over the Englishman will earn him the next nod at the title. (H/T MMA Junkie)
“I’ll fight him,” Cannonier said. “I’ll fight Darren – that’s a good fight. He just beat Kelvin. He’s ranked No. 5. I think I’ll fight pretty much everybody.
“I think a win over anybody in the top five, an impressive win over anybody in the top five – an impressive, dominant win over anybody in the top five – constitutes a title shot. He looked good. He looks very smart – intelligent fighter.
“He just shut Kelvin down at every turn. Any type of game plan Kelvin tried to implement, Darren Till shut it down and came out victorious.”
Cannonier is open to fight anyone, but he won’t accept a bout unless it means he gets a title fight with a win. The former light heavyweight set himself up nicely in the 185-pound rankings with a TKO win over Jack Hermansson. Now, he’s ready to take the next step.
“I’ll take a fight as long as it gets me a title shot,” Cannonier said. “I don’t want to say I won’t take a fight. I used to say I’ll take any fight. But at this point in my career, I have to be smart.
“I can’t just take any fight, so I have to listen to my managers and my coaches in that regard and take the best fight. So hopefully the UFC gives me the right fight. I’m thinking anybody in front of me – anybody who gets me a title shot.”
Do you think Cannonier is one big win away from a shot at the middleweight title?
