Jared Cannonier Stuns Gregory Rodrigues with a 4th round TKO at UFC Vegas 102, What’s Next for ‘The Killa Gorilla’?

In a stunning display of resilience and power, Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier (18-8) secured a crucial victory over Gregory Rodrigues (16-6) via fourth-round TKO in the main event of UFC Vegas 102. The 40-year-old veteran overcame early adversity to halt his two-fight skid and reassert himself as a formidable contender in the middleweight division.

JARED CANNONIER KNOCKS OUT GREGORY RODRIGUES IN ROUND 4!!!!!! #UFCVegas102 pic.twitter.com/h9hT1ZmIUi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 16, 2025

The fight began with Rodrigues dominating the opening round, dropping Cannonier twice with powerful strikes. However, Cannonier’s legendary chin and heart kept him in the fight. As the bout progressed, “The Killa Gorilla” found his rhythm, utilizing his jab effectively and chopping away at Rodrigues’ legs.

The tide turned dramatically in the third round when Cannonier landed a devastating elbow that rocked Rodrigues. Although the Brazilian survived to see the fourth round, Cannonier wasted no time in capitalizing on his momentum. Just 21 seconds into the final frame, Cannonier unleashed a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the contest, securing a remarkable comeback victory.

This win not only snapped Cannonier’s losing streak but also demonstrated that he remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. As the dust settles on this thrilling main event, the question now turns to who Cannonier might face next. Here are three potential opponents that could make for exciting matchups:

Robert Whittaker

A rematch with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker would be a high-stakes affair for both fighters. Whittaker, currently ranked #5, is coming off a loss to Dricus Du Plessis and will be looking to reestablish himself in the title picture. Cannonier, who lost a unanimous decision to Whittaker at UFC 254, would have the opportunity to avenge that defeat and potentially leapfrog into title contention.

Roman Kopylov

Rising contender Roman Kopylov has been making waves in the middleweight division with his impressive striking and knockout power. Coming off three consecutive KO/TKO victories, including a win over former title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, Kopylov represents the new blood in the division. A matchup with Cannonier would be a classic veteran vs. prospect showdown, testing whether Kopylov is ready for the division’s elite.

Sean Strickland

While Sean Strickland is coming off a title loss to Dricus Du Plessis, he remains one of the most intriguing personalities in the division. A bout between Cannonier and Strickland would pit two of the division’s heaviest hitters against each other. Both fighters have a penchant for stand-up battles, which could lead to a fan-friendly striking showcase. Moreover, a win over the former champion would significantly boost Cannonier’s stock in the middleweight rankings.

As Cannonier basks in the glow of his impressive victory, the UFC matchmakers have several intriguing options for his next outing. Whether he faces a former champion looking to climb back to the top, a rising prospect eager to make a name for himself, or another established contender, one thing is certain: Jared Cannonier has proven he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s middleweight division.