Former UFC middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier has joined Conor McGregor in an elite category of fighters who have etched their names in the modern-era history books. As Cannonier prepares for his highly anticipated clash against Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 319 this Saturday, he carries the distinction of sharing a rare accomplishment with “The Notorious” himself.
A veteran of three divisions
Cannonier’s journey through the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. A seasoned veteran, the 41-year-old has competed across three different weight classes—heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight—showcasing both adaptability and knockout power.
His path began in the heavyweight division, where he announced his arrival in style by knocking out Cyril Asker in April 2016. A subsequent move to light heavyweight brought mixed results, but he still secured an impressive knockout victory over Nick Roehrick in July 2017. Jared Cannonier eventually found his stride in the middleweight division, scoring highlight-reel finishes against elite names such as Jack Hermansson, Anderson Silva, and most recently Gregory Rodrigues.
The rare knockout record he shares with Conor McGregor
The accomplishment that puts Cannonier in Conor McGregor’s company? Both men are the only fighters in the UFC modern era to earn TKO/KO wins in three separate weight divisions.
McGregor, known for his precision striking and iconic finishes, began his UFC career at featherweight before moving up to lightweight and welterweight. He cemented this knockout record in January 2020 by stopping Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds at UFC 246.
Cannonier’s similar versatility and power across divisions have earned him a spot in this exclusive club. His ability to carry knockout strength through significant weight changes is a testament to his fight IQ, conditioning, and striking skill.
UFC 319: Cannonier vs. Page
Despite initially expressing hesitation about facing Michael Page, Cannonier now has an opportunity to reaffirm his place in the title conversation. A victory over the flashy and unpredictable Page would keep him in contention for another No. 1 contender fight at middleweight.
Page, a recent UFC signee and one of MMA’s most unique strikers, presents a different kind of challenge for Jared Cannonier—one that could produce fireworks inside the Octagon.
Conor McGregor’s parallel path
While Cannonier is active and chasing gold, Conor McGregor has been away from competition since 2021 following back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier. Despite a long hiatus, McGregor plans to return in 2026, though recent training footage has left fans questioning his form. Still, his place alongside Cannonier in this rare UFC achievement speaks to the enduring legacy of both fighters’ knockout power.