Former title challenger faces rising talent

UFC Fight Night 251 is set to take place on February 15th at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature an exciting middleweight showdown between former title challenger Jared Cannonier and rising contender Gregory Rodrigues.

Cannonier, a veteran of the sport, is looking to make one final push toward the title before the end of his career. Rodrigues, on the other hand, is eager to break into the middleweight rankings. This fight presents a classic battle between experience and youth, with both men having a lot at stake. Below, you’ll find all the essential details about UFC Fight Night 251!

Main Event – Cannonier vs. Rodrigues

Jared Cannonier (17-8) comes into this fight after suffering a tough loss to Marvin Vettori, making this a must-win situation for the 40-year-old veteran. Known for his knockout power, Cannonier has notable wins over Sean Strickland, Anderson Silva, and Kelvin Gastelum. However, back-to-back losses have put his title aspirations in jeopardy, making this fight crucial for his future in the UFC.

Gregory Rodrigues (16-5) has been on an impressive run since August 2023, scoring a brutal elbow knockout against Denis Tiuliulin, a TKO victory over Brad Tavares, and a decision win against Christian Leroy Duncan. Despite his strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, Rodrigues has showcased striking abilities by defeating dangerous stand-up fighters like Chidi Njokuani. If he can overcome Cannonier, it will be the biggest win of his career.