The top of the UFC Middleweight division may have been settled last weekend in Sydney, but the 185-pound class still keeps the focus with a main event clash at UFC Fight Night 251 this weekend when Jared Cannonier takes on Gregory Rodrigues. American Cannonier, a former title challenger and mainstay of the division's top ten, will be headlining a sixth consecutive main event against streaking Brazilian Rodrigues, who is making its first main event appearance. The veteran Brazilian, who turns 41 next month, is a big underdog against former LFA Middleweight champ Rodrigues, on a 3-fight streak.
Bet on Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Middleweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Date: 16.02.2025 05:30
Jared Cannonier
Ranked at number seven in the division, the 40-year-old lost both appearances last year, dropping a decision to Cairo Borralho last August and being knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov earlier in June. The pair of losses means “The Killa Gorilla's” recent run is two wins in five. In 2022, Cannonier challenged for the Middleweight crown and lost to Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision. The veteran debuted in the UFC in 2015, suffering a knockout loss against Shawn Jordan. In the years since his debut, Jared Cannonier has recorded several Fights of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 40
- Height: 6’0”
- Reach: 77.5”
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 17-8
Gregory Rodrigues
After three consecutive victories, the 32-year-old Brazilian arrives at his first UFC headline bout. Last year, Gregory Rodrigues made two appearances, recording a unanimous decision over Christian Leroy Duncan in July after dispatching Brad Tavares with a TKO in February. In August 202,3, he rebounded from losing Brunno Ferreira with a KO of Denis Tiuliulin to begin the 3-fight streak. Holding a black belt in BJJ, “RoboCop” is competent on the mat even as he likes to stand and trade. Rodrigues won the LFA Middleweight tournament and the vacant LFA Middleweight championship in May 2021.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 6’3”
- Reach: 75”
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 16-5
Betting Odds
Jared Cannonier is a 2.80 underdog on Bet365, while Gregory Rodrigues is the favorite to win by KO/TKO at 2.50. 1xbet has a total over 2.5 at 1.84 odds, with the under available for 1.9. On Betway, Cannonier by decision is 7.00 odds, while Rodrigues is listed at 5.20 to get the decision. Read more here.
Bet on Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues with 1xBet
