Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier returns to action against Michael Page on UFC’s 319 pay-per-view main card this weekend (Sat., Aug. 16, 2025) inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
With three days until fight night, Cannonier is the betting underdog against “MVP,” marking the fourth consecutive time he’s been overlooked by oddsmakers. However, he remains unfazed by the gamblers’ opinions.
“What people think about me is of no consequence,” Cannonier told a reporter during UFC 319 media day. “This isn’t the first time and probably won’t be the last, because I still have miles to go.”
When pressed on whether being the underdog fuels his fire, “The Killa Gorilla” veered into a rant before losing track of his own train of thought.
“If I wanted to let it motivate me, I’d say, ‘You see what they’re saying about me? I’m going to kick their ass!’ You see how stupid I look saying that shit?” Cannonier said. “I’m a grown-ass man, I’m 41 years old, so I don’t play games.”
“I don’t join in any of the ‘reindeer games.’ That’s what I see,” Cannonier added. “When I watch TV, those are reindeer games going on. You guys ask me some of these questions about the reindeer games, I feel like I have to lower my brain, lessen my thinking ability, and lessen myself—or how I see myself—to even think like that and answer your questions.”
“So, I can’t even remember the question, but, uh, I’m great,” Cannonier concluded.
Cannonier’s media day interviews often reveal a short fuse, sparked by weight cuts or what he deems “reindeer game” questions. At 41, he’s earned the right to be as grumpy as he wants or be in The Matrix.
Just don’t question his claim as the best fighter … or you’ll regret it!
