LAS VEGAS – The final UFC headliner of 2022 is official after [autotag]Jared Cannonier[/autotag] and [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] made weight on Friday.
Ahead of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 216 main event, which takes place at the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+, middleweight contenders Cannonier (15-6 MMA, 8-6 UFC) and Strickland (25-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) had to step on the scale at weigh-ins and hit the contracted mark.
Both men were successful in doing do, with Cannonier registering at 185.5 pounds, while Strickland was 186 pounds – albeit in a drained manner as he said “I’m going to go up to 205” after what appeared to be a tough cut.
After Sean Strickland suggested he change his nickname to "Curious George," Jared Cannonier embraced the idea at #UFCVegas66 weigh-ins.
Full story: https://t.co/NkUYpuxChV pic.twitter.com/BNEX4v2XBI
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 16, 2022
All aside, however, it was a drama-free prelude to the fight that will close the promotion’s schedule for this year, and you can watch the video above.
UFC Fight Night 216 represents an important moment for both men. Cannonier looks to rebound from his title-fight loss to then-champ Israel Adesanya at UFC 276 in July, while Strickland also aims to return to the win column after being knocked out by Alex Pereira on the same summer fight card.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 216.
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