UFC Vegas 34: UFC Apex
There’s a bit of a logjam at 185 pounds in the UFC now. Giving multiple fighters their claim on who gets Adesanya next. It’s not a massive build-up where you need to call Roto-Rooter, but there’s one there nonetheless.
Jared Cannonier got back in the win column after taking a unanimous decision over Kelvin Gastelum. Thanks in part to some heavy hands:
Oh my! @KillaGorillaMMA connects! #UFCVegas34 live now on @ESPN and @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/4OgESBfS3r
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Gastelum however was the one, for the most part, controlling the cage and pushed the pace, especially early in the contest. Although the wrestling-heavy 9th-ranked middleweight went 0-7 in takedown attempts. And of course, he proved yet again he has a chin made of solid granite. Post-fight Gastelum was unhappy, saying he felt he won the fight.
Cannonier’s footwork started to slow somewhat as the fight progressed. Despite Gastelum being super competitive and always in a fight, there’s a problem. He plays at the level of his opponent. And with the result of this fight, with the way it went, the UFC matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard have their work cut out for them.
Who Gets Adesanya Next
The champion had voiced his interest in fighting Cannonier. And despite all three judges siding with him, it might not be deserving of a crack at the belt. The win was very pedestrian. However, in the Top-5; only he and Derek Brunson have yet to face “The Last Stylebender”. Izzy and Darren Till have talked on social media about throwing down as well. And it’s obvious that both Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa both want another shot.
As does the former champion Robert Whittaker. Who by the way, handed Gastelum and Cannonier their last losses before Saturday night. So with all that info, it might be best for “Bobby Knuckles” to get his rematch next. And his best argument is he’s on a solid three-fight win streak. Even though Brunson is one better at four. While doing a Cannonier against Brunson fight to see if either one will grab the bull by the horns for next up.
