FORMER SOLDIER JARED CANNONIER FOUGHT AGAINST ADVERSITY TO JOIN UFC


By bblouin
Jared Cannonier throws a punch.

Life is funny. What we consider to be a bad break or a setback can sometimes be a step in the right direction without us even knowing it. Such is the case with Jared Cannonier, who was unfortunately forced to quit his life as a Soldier. However, he found another successful career through MMA. Though he began later than some, “Tha Killa Gorilla” is still working towards his dream of becoming a UFC champion on the sport's biggest stage. Suggested read: The German Military Is Coming Stateside to Paradise

Where Is Jared Cannonier From?

Born in Dallas, Texas, Jared Cannonier has strong ties to Anchorage, Alaska, the city his team, Legacy Jiu Jitsu Alaska MMA Lab, calls home. However, Cannonier is also a resident of Phoenix, Arizona. Jared Cannonier’s record in MMA almost never mattered. While he began garnering interest in mixed martial arts during his service in the U.S. Army, the events towards the end of his career as a Soldier indirectly set him up for a new life path.

Jared Cannonier and His Military Career

Before Jared Cannonier's heavyweight debut in UFC, he was a Soldier for over three years in the U.S. Army. However, he was discharged after a positive drug test showed marijuana usage. According to Cannonier, the usage came after a deployment when he returned home and celebrated with friends and family. After leaving the military, Cannonier began working as an Air Traffic Control Mechanic for the Federal Aviation Administration in Alaska, which is to no one’s surprise, a cold place to live. This would lead to eating comfort foods which may be good for your soul but can hurt your waistline. Cannonier was 300 lbs and did something about it with MMA. Related read: Flag on the Play: EA Sports College Football NIL Excludes Military Teams

From Soldier to UFC

The Jared Cannonier heavyweight debut in UFC saw the former Soldier weighing in at 241 lbs after losing weight by putting in the work. However, before earning a knockout victory in Croatia, he was fighting in Alaska. As an amateur fighter, Cannonier was able to hone his skills while earning a 7-0 record over a five-year period. This would catch the attention of the UFC who would give him a shot. Today, he’s a regular fighter. Known for his knockouts, Cannonier would end up winning the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 25. He has won numerous fights since, including multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus awards. These days, you’ll find Cannonier fighting as a middleweight and working towards a belt. A notable win in 2023 came during Marvin Vettori vs Jared Cannonier as a UFC Fight Night Main Event. However, this wasn’t the first time Cannonier would produce such results. In 2022, he did the same during Sean Strickland vs Jared Cannonier. He had to rebook after the original fight fell through due to an injury for Strickland.

When Is Jared Cannonier's Next Fight?

Unfortunately, the next fight for Jared Cannonier is still in the air. The end of 2023 was setting itself up to be a big one for the Tha Killa Gorilla’s career. However, a MCL tear in October put a stop to the fight. If and when Cannonier fights Roman Dolidze is now uncertain, as are any future fights for the time being. Regardless of the timing of the next bout, it’s sure to be an intense one. An MCL injury is not ideal but Jared Cannonier is familiar with overcoming unfortunate circumstances. Read next: 5% of Army Jobs to Be Cut, However, Soldiers Still Needed


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