UFC Fight Night 216: Cannonier vs. Strickland Preview, Latest Odds, Prediction

Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland are highlighting tonight’s UFC Fight Night 216. Both fighters are in the top 10 of the division and hope to become champions one day. Cannonier is no.3 and already had a chance to take the belt, but was defeated by Israel Adesanya at the UFC 276, in a one-sided domination. On the other hand, Stickland was next in the line to challenge Adesanya, but he ran into Alex Pereira, who had other plans. It was a slice of humble pie for Tarzan.

Preview

Jared Cannonier (15-6, -105) is coming off a loss to Adesanya. He had high hopes before that bout but was virtual without any chance to defeat the Kiwi, who outsmarted him in all aspects of the fight, tactically, strategically, etc.

The Killa Gorilla couldn’t keep his pace with Adesanya, who was more than quick for the American and prevented him from using his power punches which have been the top weapon for Cannonier. After all 10 of his 15 wins were via KO, two by submission, and three via decision. He holds wins over Derek Bruson, Kelvin Gastelum, Jack Hermansson, Anderson Silva, Ion Cutelaba, and many more.

What is his main power is boxing, that is, punches. He isn’t very gifted on the mat and with leg kicks, but a one-punch KO power in his fists is a massive difference-maker. Also, Cannonier is huge for the division, and his regeneration power following weight cuts, once he adds several pounds for a night, is a big plus. Though, that’s why his cardio isn’t elite.

Sean Strickland (25-4, -115) had six wins in a row, which was impressive at the time. The analysts and the former fighters all considered him the championship material and the next rival for Israel Adesanya. That’s why he ended in the octagon with Pereira in a title-eliminator.

Now, Pereira’s KO was one more impressive thing, as he hammered Strickland in the opening round with a vicious hook that immediately stunned Tarzan and ended the battle. It was only the second time in his career for Strickland to eat a KO loss, and he admitted following the bout that he didn’t see that coming.

Strickland beat Hermansson, Hall, Allen, Jotko, Taleb, etc, during his victorious run and established himself as one of the better boxers not only in the division but in the organization. His combos are creative and versatile. He is quick and light on his feet, with top cardio.

Prediction

The thing here is that we believe that Strickland’s chin is pretty fragile, as both of his latest losses came via KO. He often leaves himself unprotected, and that’s okay against regular fighters and grapplers, but with Pereira or Cannonier, who are more light heavyweights than middleweight fighters, that’s unacceptable. One punch here decides the bout, and as we know, Cannonier usually wins his matches like that. That’s why our pick is Cannonier’s victory, and we would go with the Kulla Gorilla knocking out the rival. We don’t have the slightest doubt about the fight not going to the distance here.

Pick: Cannonier -110