Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier, known as "The Killa Gorilla," is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Before turning to professional fighting, Cannonier served in the United States Army and later worked as an airway transportation systems specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. He began his professional MMA career after relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, training out of local gyms there before establishing himself in the sport, and he has fought under the UFC banner across three different weight classes over the course of his career, moving down from heavyweight through light heavyweight before settling at middleweight.

Cannonier holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has trained with camps including Alaska-based MMA Lab and Gracie Barra affiliates, reflecting a grappling foundation that complements his striking-based approach.

Inside the cage, Cannonier is regarded as a powerful and technical striker, favoring a heavy jab and calculated boxing combinations, while also possessing dangerous kicks carried over from his time competing at heavier weights. His transition to middleweight was credited with sharpening his speed and precision without sacrificing his knockout power.

Among the notable opponents Cannonier has faced and defeated are former UFC champion Anderson Silva, as well as Derek Brunson, Jack Hermansson, Kelvin Gastelum, and Marvin Vettori. He has also challenged for UFC middleweight gold, competing for the title against Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.

Cannonier has built a reputation as one of the division'"'"'s most dangerous and durable competitors, admired for his unconventional path into the sport and his physically imposing, all-action style. His journey from military service and federal employment to the sport'"'"'s championship picture has made him a respected figure among fans and peers alike, embodying perseverance and reinvention within the middleweight ranks.