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In his last win as middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya took on Jared Cannonier at UFC 276.
Though the bout was a back-and-forth affair, many accused 'The Last Stylebender' of playing it safe and resorting to point-fighting, which he was also criticized for in his title defenses against Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori.
Israel Adesanya earned scores of 49-46, 50-45 and 49-46 on the judges' scorecards to win the unanimous decision. While the Nigerian-New Zealander secured the first, second, fourth and fifth rounds in the eyes of every judge, 'The Killa Gorilla' won the third round 10-9 on one judge's scorecard.
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According to the official UFC stats, Israel Adesanya had a higher number of strikes in total against Jared Cannonier. 'The Last Stylebender' landed a total of 163 out of 277, while 'The Killa Gorilla' landed 141 out of 217 total strikes.
In terms of significant strikes, Jared Cannonier had a higher significant strike rate at 57%, landing 90 out of 157 significant strikes. Israel Adesanya, meanwhile, had a significant strike rate of 50%, landing 116 out of 230 significant strikes.
Although Cannonier failed in all four of his attempts to take Adesanya down, he managed to have a total control time of 4:14 minutes. Adesanya landed more strikes to the head and legs, with 60 out of 165 head strikes and 114 out of 226 leg kicks finding a home. Cannonier landed more body strikes on 'The Last Stylebender' with 32 out of 40 strikes.
Israel Adesanya landed 114 out of 226 strikes on the feet and two out of four strikes in the clinch. Jared Cannonier landed 78 out of 143 strikes on the feet and 12 out of 14 strikes in the clinch. Both fighters landed zero ground strikes.
Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland: Which middleweight will reign supreme?
This weekend, Jared Cannonier is set to face Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC Vegas 66.
Having previously fought at heavyweight and light heavyweight, Jared Cannonier carries the kind of power that most middleweights fear. He has knockout wins over established names in the middleweight division like Derek Brunson, Jack Hermansson, Anderson Silva and David Branch.
The only decision victory 'The Killa Gorilla' has had at middleweight came against Kelvin Gastelum. Furthermore, his only losses in the division have come via unanimous decision to former champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.
Sean Strickland, who is ranked No. 7 in the middleweight division, has previously fought at welterweight. 'Tarzan' is known for his forward-heavy style and putting pace on his opponents, while talking to them as he beats them down.
Strickland went on an impressive six-fight win streak before getting knocked out by current middleweight champ Alex Pereira in the first round at UFC 276. Cannonier's punching power is exactly what Strickland needs to watch out for in his fight against 'The Killa Gorilla'.
According to Odds Shark, Sean Strickland is the -119 betting favorite going into his bout against Jared Cannonier, who is the underdog at +104. Will Strickland be able to take Cannonier's No. 3 spot in the rankings? We'll find out this weekend.
