Exclusive: Jared Cannonier issues brutally honest prediction for upcoming Gregory Rodrigues fight at UFC Vegas 102: "I'm always hoping for the best"

Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier is gearing up for a critical showdown against Gregory Rodrigues in the main event of UFC Vegas 102 on Feb. 15. The fight marks a pivotal moment for both athletes, with Cannonier aiming to bounce back from a tough 2024 and Rodrigues looking to solidify his rise in the division.

Cannonier, who suffered consecutive losses last year to Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, expressed optimism and determination in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:

“I plan on knocking him out. I think it's gonna be a TKO possibly in the second or third round. He tends to slow down a little bit, I'm working really hard on my cardio for that not to be an issue. I plan on not taking any damage. I plan on not being hard to hit and scoring and hitting him as many times as possible. I'm always hoping for the best my last two fights hadn't gone that way but I'm always hoping for the best. I'm always working and training to improve and to bring the best that's in my mind into reality.”

Check out Jared Cannonier's prediction for his upcoming fight below (5:32):

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Jared Cannonier reveals middleweight as his best division physically

Jared Cannonier recently shared insights about his career and the weight class where he feels at his peak. During an appearance on Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST, Cannonier expressed that middleweight is the division where he performs best physically.

Cannonier’s UFC journey began as a heavyweight, where he posted a 1-1 record before transitioning to light heavyweight. At 205 pounds, he fought five times but struggled with consistency, going 2-3. Seeking better opportunities, he eventually moved down to middleweight, where he has found stability and success:

"I would say middleweight [is my favorite weight to fight at in the UFC] because I feel, for myself, I'm just more capable at this weight class. And I guess me being in middleweight is just a part of my journey. The knowledge that I've learned, the experience that I've acquired, being in the sport, just transformed who I am."

Check out Jared Cannonier's comment below (0:44):