Jared Cannonier continues push for new UFC 248 opponent, but Darren Till preaches patience
Frustration is setting in for Jared Cannonier as he awaits his fate for UFC 248.
Cannonier (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) was supposed to get his biggest opportunity yet with a matchup against Robert Whittaker, but the former UFC middleweight champ withdrew from the event.
It’s been 18 days since Whittaker was ruled off the card, and Cannonier still does not have a new opponent. That’s clearly touching a nerve. The typically reserved “Killa Gorilla” made the uncharacteristic move of going to social media to try to encourage someone to step up – and specifically named Darren Till and Kelvin Gastelum (via Instagram):
5 weeks out from UFC 248 and still no fight. @robwhittakermma can’t make it. @darrentill2 is still thinking about it. I’ve got people asking me left and right if they can go ahead and buy tickets and plan trips to Vegas @mickmaynard2 @danawhite @ufc if Darren won’t fight and @yoelromeromma can get a title shot on a 2 fight L streak, then give @kgastelum a contenders match on one too. This is me waiting to hear back.
UFC 248 takes place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Since news of Whittaker’s withdrawal from the fight came out, Till (18-2-1 MMA, 6-2-1 UFC) has been one of the leading names to replace him. UFC president Dana White recently revealed the Brit has been dealing with an ankle injury, though, putting his availability in jeopardy.
But all may not be lost. Till and Cannonier had an exchange in the comments section that sparked some hope. Till, however, preached patience to his potential next opponent (via Instagram):
The exact hurdles preventing a Cannonier vs. Till matchup from being made remain a mystery. Time is of the essence, though, and a decision likely needs to be made soon.
Jared Cannonier continues push for new UFC 248 opponent, but Darren Till preaches patience
