On the main card of UFC 271, we saw a potential title elimination bout in the middleweight division. Top contenders battled it out as “The Killa Gorilla” Jared Cannonier (14-5) took on Derek Brunson (23-7).
Brunson made headlines earlier this week when he announced that win, lose, or draw, UFC 271 will be one of his final two fights. With that, there was a ton of pressure on him to get the job done. He came into tonight riding a five-fight win streak.
Since moving down to the middleweight division, Jared Cannonier has been sensational. He’s 4-1 with the lone loss coming to Robert Whittaker at UFC 254. In his last fight, he won a decision over Kelvin Gastelum. Cannonier was looking to make a statement at UFC 271 and earn himself a shot at the middleweight title.
UFC 271 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 271 middleweight contest kicked off with immediate pressure from Cannonier. Both men try to land kicks but they both miss. Body kick lands for Brunson. Pressure here from Cannonier and Brunson gets a body lock. However, Cannonier shrugs him off.
Brunson tries shooting in for another takedown and he gets deep on a single leg. Cannonier showing good defense, but Brunson gets him down to the ground. However, it doesn’t last long as Cannonier pops right back up. Desperate shot from Brunson and Cannonier defends.
Low kick lands for Cannonier. Body kick and a straight shot lands for Brunson. Brunson once again charges forward looking for the takedown. However, Cannonier shrugs him off once again. Both men trade straight shots in the center. Nice left hand lands for Brunson and he immediately shoots again.
Once again, Cannonier defends. Left hand for Brunson and another takedown attempt for Brunson. Brunson jumps right to mount but Cannonier gets him back to half guard. Cannonier uses th fence to get back to his feet and pushes Brunson off.
Cannonier pushes forward and gets dropped by Brunson. Brunson jumps on a rear naked choke and locks it in. However, the round ends and Cannonier is saved. 1-0 Brunson after one at UFC 271.
Round 2
Entering the second at UFC 271 and Cannonier needs to try and answer Brunson’s big first round. Brunson shoots for a takedown within seconds of the second round and gets Cannonier down. He settles right into half guard.
Cannonier does a good job of exploding out of it and they’re back to striking. Big uppercut lands for Cannonier and Brunson might be hurt. Immediately the body language changed from Brunson, however, he’s hanging in there. Nice left hand from Brunson.
Good right straight lands for Cannonier. Brunson still looks like he’s trying to get his footing back. Takedown attempt from Brunson, but Cannonier shrugs him off. Big right hook from Cannonier lands. Another right hand lands for Cannonier and Brunson is getting sloppy here.
Jab lands for Cannonier. Another big jab from Cannonier snaps Brunson’s head back. Right hand from Cannonier and Brunson shoots for another takedown. Once again, Cannonier defends well. Big shots from Cannonier on the inside and Brunson is hurt badly.
Cannonier is all over Brunson here. Brunson goes down and Cannonier lands vicious elbows. This one is over and Jared Cannonier might’ve just earned himself a UFC title shot.
Jared Cannonier def. Derek Brunson by KO – Round 2