Jared Cannonier To Serve As Back Up For Adesanya vs. Romero

Jared Cannonier To Serve As Back Up For Adesanya vs. Romero

By Ross Markey

Jared Cannonier is expected to serve as back up for Israel Adesanya vs. Yoel Romero.

With the middleweight division beginning to hot-up – a showcase of the ranks talents was expected to be on display at UFC 248 in March.

We’ve got a clash for the undisputed 185-pound crown between Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya, and Yoel ‘Soldier Of God’ Romero taking headlining status at the T-Mobile Arena – but surging contender, Jared ‘The Killa Gorilla’ Cannonier was also scheduled to feature at the event.

With three straight finishes since his move from light heavyweight, Cannonier had earned a high-profile clash with former gold-holder, Robert Whittaker, until ‘The Reaper’ was forced from the contest due to undisclosed personal reasons.

Dallas native Cannonier was then briefly linked with a tie against one-time welterweight title challenger, Darren Till until a niggling ankle injury forced him from the bout. Former interim middleweight championship challenger, Kelvin Gastelum was also challenged for his services on short-notice by Cannonier, also to no avail.

According to promotion president, Dana White – Cannonier may still feature at UFC 248 in som facet, depending on certain implications. White failed to shed any light on the potential pairing of Cannonier and Till – but explained how the 35-year-old would serve as back up for the main event clash between the aforementioned, Adesanya and Romero.

Cannonier, who currently holds #4 rank at middleweight, having notched eye-catching victories over former two-weight WSOF champion, David Branch, former middleweight kingpin, Anderson Silva, and submission specialist, Jack Hermansson over the course of the previous fifteen months.

Photo Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports