Chicago’s United Center will host <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC 319 this Saturday, August 16, 2025, where middleweight contender Jared Cannonier faces off against welterweight Michael “Venom” Page, who has recently moved up to 185 pounds. Cannonier, focused on the task ahead, views this fight squarely as a challenge to secure a win rather than engaging in speculation about the matchup.
Although Page’s transition to middleweight is noteworthy, Cannonier is not concerned about the change in weight class impacting his preparation. He acknowledges that Page’s power doesn’t carry over in the same way at 185 pounds, but Cannonier remains confident in his own approach to securing victory.
Cannonier’s Unwavering Confidence in His Fight Strategy
When asked how he imagines the fight unfolding, Cannonier avoided hypothetical outcomes, emphasizing one clear goal: winning.
“I love it when you guys ask that question. ‘How do you see the fight playing out.’ I don’t know. I see myself winning. That’s the only way I see the fight playing out. That’s the only thing I want to envision,”
he stated during the UFC 319 media day.
He further described his plan, focusing on applying pressure and capitalizing on any openings.
“I don’t want to think like ‘well this could happen or that could happen.’ That’s already been taken into account before I sign the contract. I see myself winning. Pressure, making him miss if he throws. But it’s going to be pressure. Action if he goes, action if he doesn’t. I want to put my hands on him, and if I get my hands on him, I’m going to put him down.”
Determined to Prove His Relevance at 41
At 41 years old, Cannonier is looking to defy odds by climbing back towards title contention after his loss to Israel Adesanya several years ago. He is eager to remind the MMA world of his skill and danger inside the octagon.
“I’m going to go out there and show the world again that I’m still here, I’m still dangerous, and I’m only getting better,”
he affirmed.
Rejecting Labels and Media Narratives
UFC analyst Joe Rogan recently called Michael Page one of the toughest puzzles to solve in MMA. Cannonier politely rejected being drawn into such debates, distancing himself from superlatives and comparisons. “No. I think he’s been successful in what he’s been able to do. The biggest? Everybody wants the ‘est’ at the end of something. And if they ain’t going for that, they want to be the GOAT. I don’t even want to get into that pissing contest, ‘who’s the biggest, who’s the bestest, who’s the baddest?’
“That’s for everybody else to determine. I don’t even want to go into that conversation. I feel like I would have to lessen myself to even think in that regard. Next question.”
Upcoming Fight Marks a Critical Moment for Cannonier
The bout at UFC 319 is crucial for Jared Cannonier as he aims to rebuild momentum and reestablish himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division. Victory over Michael Page would not only improve his standing but also reinforce his reputation as a resilient and dangerous fighter despite his age. Fans can expect a focused, determined performance from Cannonier as he channels his energy solely on securing the win at Chicago’s United Center this Saturday.