Jared Cannonier Recaps Comeback Win at UFC Vegas 102: ‘I’d Rather Die On My Feet Than Die On My Back’

Jared Cannonier Pulls Off a Gritty Come-From-Behind Victory at UFC Vegas 102

UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier proved his resilience and determination in the Octagon at UFC Vegas 102, securing a hard-earned victory over the formidable Gregory Rodrigues. The fight was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Cannonier overcoming a rocky start to dominate in the later rounds. Despite being dropped twice in the opening round by Rodrigues’ powerful strikes, the 40-year-old contender showed immense grit, rallying back to finish his opponent in the fourth round. This victory marked a much-needed turnaround for Cannonier, who had previously suffered back-to-back losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho in 2024. There was more MMA news making waves before the event, including the UFC’s announcement that they would permanently remove gloves from competition, a decision that sparked debate among fans and fighters.

A Torrid First Round and a Remarkable Comeback

The opening round of the fight was nothing short of disastrous for Cannonier. Rodrigues, known for his heavy-handed striking, came out swinging and dropped Cannonier twice, leaving him in serious trouble. However, Cannonier’s ability to weather the storm and maintain his composure under pressure proved to be a turning point. In the second round, he began to find his rhythm, slowly turning the tides of the fight in his favor. By the third round, Cannonier’s confidence had grown, and he capitalized on the opportunity to land a powerful short elbow that dropped Rodrigues. Although he couldn’t finish the fight in the third round, the momentum was firmly in his favor heading into the final rounds.

Sealing the Win in the Fourth Round

Cannonier wasted no time in the fourth round, resuming his onslaught from where he had left off. Just 21 seconds into the penultimate round, he unleashed a flurry of strikes that left Rodrigues unable to continue, securing the victory via TKO. The finish was a testament to Cannonier’s relentless pressure and predatory instincts once he sensed his opponent was hurt. The win not only snapped his two-fight losing streak but also reaffirmed his position as a formidable contender in the middleweight division.

Reflections on Adversity and Resilience

In his post-fight interview with UFC analyst and former double-champion Daniel Cormier, Cannonier reflected on the challenges he faced during the fight. “Well, I guess I was hurt enough to get dropped on my a couple of times in that fight,” he admitted with a smile. “But naturally so. Gregory hits hard as hell, and he was slinging big-a shots.” Despite the early setbacks, Cannonier credited his ability to stay composed and fight through adversity. “I’d rather die on my feet than die on my back,” he declared, embodying the warrior spirit that defines MMA.

A Victory Shared With His Team at The MMA Lab

Cannonier’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a celebration of his team at The MMA Lab. He paid tribute to his coaches and training partners, emphasizing the role they played in his preparation and mental fortitude. Additionally, he shared a heartfelt moment with his teammate Jose Delgado, who had also secured a TKO victory earlier in the same event. The two fighters had previously spoken about sharing a fight card one day, and at UFC Vegas 102, their shared vision became a reality. “We both spoke finishes into existence,” Cannonier said, expressing his joy and pride in their collective success.

Looking Ahead and the Bigger Picture

Cannonier’s victory at UFC Vegas 102 serves as a reminder of his enduring relevance in the middleweight division. While he acknowledged the adversity he faced during the fight, he also highlighted his ability to adapt and overcome, qualities that will continue to serve him well in his career. As for the broader implications of the UFC’s decision to remove gloves permanently, the move has sparked intense debate within the MMA community, with many questioning how it will affect fighter safety and the dynamics of competition. Regardless, one thing is clear: Jared Cannonier’s performance at UFC Vegas 102 was a testament to his resilience, skill, and determination, proving that even in the toughest moments, he is a force to be reckoned with.