MMA news: What’s next for Jared Cannonier?

Jared Cannonier reminded the MMA world that he’s still a force in the middleweight division with a thrilling TKO victory over Gregory Rodrigues.

Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the possible opponents for Cannonier as he looks to climb back into title contention.

Cannonier’s road back to the top

In what is likely to be in the conversation for the Fight of the Year award at the end of 2025, Cannonier proved he can still compete at the highest level, finishing Rodrigues to cement his place in the middleweight division’s top ten.

At 40, the former title challenger overcame early adversity, getting dropped twice in the first round before rallying back to secure a TKO in Round 4.

The win snapped his two-fight losing run and defended his ranking against a younger, rising contender.

Currently ranked at number 7 in the division, the American is in a peculiar position.

He has already fought every ranked fighter ahead of him except Khamzat Chimaev - who is expected to get the next title shot - and current champion Dricus Du Plessis.

Who’s next for Cannonier?

Speaking at his post-fight press conference, Cannonier targeted a summer return.

While he didn’t name a specific opponent, he made it clear he wants a ranked fighter next.

“I would like a ranked opponent, for sure, I think I’m definitely going to get a ranked opponent after that victory.

“I would like someone ranked higher than me, unfortunately, all the people ranked higher than me are either in line to get a title shot or going to wait for a title shot or just beat me,” he concluded.

If Cannonier wants to earn rematches with top contenders like Sean Strickland or Robert Whittaker, he may need one more win over a lower-ranked opponent first.

This opens the door to some interesting potential matchups moving forward.

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Paulo Costa

Currently ranked 11th and struggling for form in recent years, a fight with Cannonier would be a thrilling matchup at this stage in both of their careers.

It would also give Costa a chance to rediscover the form that once propelled him into title contention back in 2020.

This matchup between would likely be a kickboxing affair between the two and the bout would come with some high stakes.

Costa is 1-4 in his last five fights, while Cannonier is 1-2 in his last three - and at 40 - another loss could all but end their hopes of ever reaching the top of the division again.

Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze is another ranked opponent who has yet to cross paths with Cannonier.

Like the American, Dolidze recently snapped a two-fight skid, bouncing back with a win over Anthony Smith at light heavyweight before returning to 185 pounds and defeating Kevin Holland in October.

This matchup would offer a contrasting challenge for Cannonier - on paper, he holds the striking advantage, while Dolidze appears to have the edge in grappling.

A win for either man would secure a spot in the top ten, and with momentum on their side, they could position themselves for a fight against a big name in the top five coming off a loss - someone like Strickland, Whittaker, or even Israel Adesanya.

Roman Kopylov

Currently ranked at 14 in the division, Roman Kopylov is 6-1 in his last 7 fights with his most recent win being a dramatic last-second head kick TKO over Chris Curtis.

At 33, Kopylov could benefit greatly from a matchup against a big name like Cannonier, boosting his recognition among fans.

There’s no doubt he’s a talented fighter with the potential to climb the middleweight rankings.

With both fighters coming off January wins, scheduling a showdown for June or July - just as Cannonier wants - would be a realistic and exciting possibility.

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