Jared Cannonier Responds to Talk Win Over Anderson Silva Was Due to Pre-Fight Injury

Jared Cannonier scored the biggest win of his career at UFC 237 by taking out Anderson Silva, and the rising fighter doesn’t want to hear from critics who think the victory was tainted by a pre-fight injury.

Cannonier sent Silva to the mat late in round of their co-headlining fight, after landing a thumping kick to the right leg of the legend. Afterward, the former middleweight champ, who was clearly in considerable pain from the strike, said he had been having an issue with his knee prior to the bout. Silva, however, didn’t offer any specific details during his post-fight interview, and he didn’t do so either in a follow-up statement.

Well, not surprisingly, after Cannonier’s pivotal win, he was asked to comment on Silva’s revelation. While doing so, the powerful fighter said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“What kind of injury was it?” Cannonier asked. “Did he have just a boo-boo on his leg, or was it a bruise, or was something torn? I don’t know. Nobody knows. It is what it is. I went in there and did my job.”

“A lot of people came in here with injuries,” Cannonier said. “The Thursday before I came here, I displaced my ribs. And I got kicked twice by Anderson, three times by Anderson, you know? So, I didn’t know his leg was injured. I’m just doing my job. If he had an injured leg, he shouldn’t be fighting. You know what I’m saying? But that’s Anderson Silva, he can get in there and continue and do what he’s done.”

Now, will big-time Silva boosters continue to cite the legend’s pre-fight injury as a key reason why he lost? Probably. But that doesn’t mean Cannonier doesn’t deserve a lot of credit for what he did at UFC 237. He faced one of the greatest fighters the game has ever known, in the Brazilian star’s own country, and recorded a first round stoppage. It’s also worth noting that Cannonier was en route to win the opening round, as he had outstruck Silva leading up to the fight’s final moments.

It will be interesting to see what comes next for Cannonier, who was ranked #10 leading up to UFC 237. With a win over Silva, one would think he’ll be booked for a fight with another all-star from the 185 division.

It also remains to be seen what’s next for Silva. As this is being written the extent of his injury hasn’t been disclosed.