Jared Cannonier embraces UFC middleweight gatekeeper role

Jared Cannonier is not offended by the suggestion that he has become a gatekeeper in the UFC's middleweight division.

The 42-year-old former title challenger faces rising British prospect Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Oklahoma City on Saturday, a matchup that many view as a measuring stick for the younger fighter. Cannonier sees it differently. "So here I am, the guy who hasn't been able to win as consistently as I would like," he told Sherdog. "So therefore, I am having to welcome these guys to the division."

Cannonier views Duncan bout as path back to title contention

Rather than bristle at the gatekeeper label, Cannonier embraces what the role offers. He has dropped three of his last four bouts and carries an 11-9 record inside the Octagon, but he frames the Duncan fight as a way to protect his ranking and rebuild momentum. "These are really good opportunities for me to maintain my position and start redirecting myself back towards that title," he said. "So, for that, I am appreciative of the company for this matchup."

Duncan enters the bout riding a four-fight winning streak. Cannonier, who challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight strap in 2022, knows a win over the 30-year-old could stabilize his standing among the division's veterans and open a clearer path forward at 185 pounds.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Jared Cannonier explains why being UFC's gatekeeper isn't an insult