After going undefeated in seven pro bouts, (nine if you include his amateur record) Jared Cannonier was signed to an exclusive contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Up until that point, Cannonier’s fights had exclusively taken place in the state of Alaska. Stepping into the top MMA promotion would undoubtedly be a massive step up in competition.
Heavyweight
Shawn Jordan
Cannonier’s UFC debut would be a heavyweight bout against knockout artist and MMA veteran Shawn Jordan. At the time, Jordan held victories over the likes of Derrick Lewis, Pat Barry, Lavar Johnson, and Mike Russo to name a few.