UFC 254 is set to be one of the biggest events of the year for the promotion. The event is hitting mainstream recognition, thanks to an undefeated champ taking on perhaps the most violent man in the sport. And in the co-main, hardcore fans will appreciate the two top middleweights vying for a title shot against Israel Adesanya. On one end is the well-rounded Aussie named Robert Whittaker with slick striking and a knack to pull out victories. On the other side is a former heavyweight knockout artist, named Jared Cannonier. After a transformation turned middleweight with an impressive streak, many are interested to see if Adesanya’s invite is well placed.

Make your own predictions for Whittaker vs. Cannonier below. Note, you must login to comment.

Jared Cannonier’s Path to victory

Cannonier has been flying under the radar for too long. His power has surprisingly been retained as he dropped from heavyweight to light heavyweight, to no middleweight. And he is no longer just a KO artist, either. He possess an excellent low kick that damages you standing and disrupts even the best strikers like Jack Hermansson and Anderson Silva. Mix that with a belief in self through crystals (not joking) and you have a dangerous potential contender for Adesanya. If there is a flaw in the up-and-comer’s armor, it’s his fearlessness to throw himself into the fray. As we saw in his losses at heavier weights, trading blows is not a formula for consistent victories.

Robert Whittaker’s Path to Victory

The former champ, like his opponent is underrated. He has the same amount of knockouts as his heavy-handed opponent, yet he is not known for his finishing abilities. Instead he’s seen as the durable former welterweight turned middleweight champ. He undoubtably is durable, however he’s more crafty and well-rounded then credited. The only reason he has not been given the credit he deserves is he’s been at the top for over three years, taking on the best middleweights in the world. Whittaker can take the lime-light back if he brings those sneaky combos, capped with a his funky flick high kick. Of course, if thats setup incorrectly, its an easy counter for Cannonier. Expect this to be a striking affair with Whittaker likely landing the sneakier counters. He just needs to make sure to be in and out in his combinations.

Whittaker vs. Cannonier Prediction

Robert Whittaker via decision. This is always hard to choose when involving brawls of this magnitude, but I expect Whittaker to shine in the later rounds with his experience. He will also be faster, capable of dodging the haymakers from his opponent.