Jared Cannonier Says He Suffered Broken Arm Early in UFC 254 Co-Main Event

Jared Cannonier revealed that a kick from Robert Whittaker broke his left arm early on in their UFC 254 co-main event encounter this past Saturday night.

“That didn’t go exactly how I wanted but my spirits remain high and I’m happy with how I fought, all things considered. The very first kick he threw broke or fractured my left ulna,” Cannonier wrote on Instagram. “I couldn’t find my [groove] and adjust quickly to get the W so I’ll take my L with pride.”

While Cannonier enjoyed success attacking with heavy low kicks, he absorbed numerous jabs from his opponent and was staggered by a jab-high kick combination from Whittaker in the third frame. Although the MMA Lab product rallied to wobble the ex-champ with a right hand late in the bout, it wasn’t enough to prevent him from losing a unanimous decision.

“[Robert Whittaker] certainly lived up to my expectations before and after the fight. Congrats mate. Enjoy [Christmas] and the new [baby],” Cannonier wrote. “It was a hell of an experience to be here. Can’t wait to go again.”

Prior to the bout, reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya indicated that a victory by Cannonier would cement him as the division’s No. 1 contender. Instead, it appears that a rematch between “The Last Stylebender” and Whittaker could be in the offing, as UFC president Dana White described that option as “very appealing” at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.

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That didn’t go exactly how I wanted but My spirits remain high and I’m happy with how I fought all things considered. 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 . It was a hell of an experience to be here. Can’t wait to go again.

A post shared by Jared Cannonier (@killagorillamma) on Oct 25, 2020 at 4:20am PDT