UFC 319: Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page Preview & Prediction
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The must-watch "MVP" looks to throw his name into the mix for middleweight title contention at the expense of UFC fan-favorite, Jared Cannonier.
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page facts
What time are Jared Cannonier and Michael Page expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? United Center, Chicago, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 319
What TV channel is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev main card
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page (Middleweight)
Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev prelims
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Baysangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan (Middleweight)
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (Lightweight)
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
Jared Cannonier: The former middleweight title challenger looks to remind "MVP" why the Englishman spent the majority of his career at welterweight
A UFC staple for more than a decade, Jared Cannonier (18-8) began his career in the heavyweight division, dropping down to light heavyweight before finding a permanent home at 185 pounds. A heavy handed striker who marches forward relentlessly to put hands on his opponent, "The Killa Gorilla" went 5-1 in his new division to earn a title shot against Israel Adesanya in 2022, coming up short to "The Last Stylebender" in an uneventful decision. He is 3-2 since, earning three Fight of the Night bonuses along the way to underline his status as must-see MMA TV. Cannonier enters this contest off the back of another thrilling victory over Gregory Rodrigues, surviving a disastrous start to put "Robocop" away with punches in the fourth round.
Michael Page: "MVP" aims to insert his name into the title discussion at 185 pounds after schooling Shara Magomedov last time out
A former Bellator poster boy courtesy of his flashy karate style and lengthy highlight reel, Michael "Venom" Page (23-3) has arguably exceeded expectations since signing with the UFC. Many were quick to point to the Englishman's previous strength of schedule as an indication that he would swiftly be handled by UFC level talent. However, "MVP" quickly proved that when it comes to a pure striking battle, there are few fighters on earth who can even make it competitive with him. Page's lightning fast striking and distance management made Kevin Holland and Shara Magomedov look like amateurs, an impressive achievement given the danger than both men pose. "MVP" may have been outgrappled in his sole UFC defeat to Ian Machado Garry, but the Irishman wanted absolutely no part of that contest on the feet.
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page prediction
While there is always a chance that Cannonier shows up in Terminator mode, a la his contests with Marvin Vettori and Gregory Rodrigues, this match up seems tailor made for Page to absolutely style on him.
Cannonier's default fight style is to trudge forward and hurl bombs, meaning that Page will likely be able play the matador to the American's charging bull. Accordingly, the most probable outcome in this middleweight showdown is that the Englishman utilizes his absurd speed advantage and range management to maximum effect, peppering "The Killa Gorilla" with shots and darting out of range to safety before Cannonier even realizes what hit him.
While the striking exchanges are almost certain to favor "MVP," the American could still potentially find a path to victory if he can ground Page in the same manner that Ian Garry found success with during their contest at UFC 303. However, Cannonier has always been a striker by trade. Accordingly, it seems highly unlikely that he completely changes his fighting style now, particularly considering the fact that he is now 41 years old.
This contest is unlikely to end with a finish; Cannonier is tough as old boots and Page frequently chooses to emote rather than go for the kill when he has his opponents hurt. However, it will still be the Englishman who has his hand raised when the dust settles.
Prediction: Michael Page to win by decision
