Jared Cannonier came off second-best against Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 254 on Saturday night, but he has a pretty solid reason for why he wasn’t able to perform at his best in the potential 185lb title-eliminator.
“That didn’t go exactly how I wanted but my spirits remain high and I’m happy with how I fought all things considered,” Cannonier said on social media. “The very first kick he threw broke or fractured my left ulna I couldn’t find my grove and adjust quickly to get the W so I’ll take my L with pride.
“@robwhittakermma certainly lived up to my expectations before and after the fight. Congrats mate. Enjoy Xmas and the new [baby]. It was a hell of an experience to be here. Can’t wait to go again.”
Cannonier had been on a three-fight winning streak at middleweight heading into the bout, having TKO’d David Branch, Anderson Silva and Jack Hermansson in the space of a year to put himself firmly in the title picture.
However, he found the going tougher against Whittaker, and though his injury will undoubtedly have held him back, credit should also go to ‘The Reaper’ for turning in an excellent striking performance on the night to emerge with a unanimous decision victory.
