On Saturday night, Jared Cannonier proved the oddsmakers wrong.

At UFC on ESPN+ 18, Cannonier (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) finished Jack Hermansson (20-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) with strikes early in the second round of their main event in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The victory marked Cannonier’s third finish since he made the move down to 185 pounds in late 2018. However, unlike his last win against Anderson Silva earlier this year in Brazil, those in attendance at Royal Arena allowed Cannonier to speak on the microphone after the fight.

When Cannonier attempted to field questions from UFC commentator Jon Anik in Brazil, he was drowned out with boos. In Copenhagen on Saturday, Cannonier was praised and cheered as he dedicated his win to two people he lost this year.

“Every victory feels good,” Cannonier said on the ESPN+ post-fight show. “This one tonight, I was happy the crowd gave me the chance to speak after the fact. I felt great.”

While Cannonier controlled much of the five-and-a-half minutes he had with Hermansson, the 35-year-old weathered an early energy spurt from “The Joker.” Upon the opening bell, Hermansson charged at Cannonier and secured a suplex takedown. Eventually, Cannonier used his leg kicks to slow the rangy middleweight.

“I know Jack moves around a lot, so it was going to be the same plan I implemented against Anderson (Silva),” Cannonier said. “He moves around a lot early on, as well, so I wanted to work the leg kicks and then open up with the hands once he settled down. That was the plan, to find the leg kicks and open up to the hands as soon as he settled down.

“I know Jack is a really tough fighter. He brings it every time as we saw. He’s not afraid of anything or anyone in there,” Cannonier said. “I was just happy to receive that energy. I love it when a guy brings it to me. I think it brings out the best in me. I definitely elevated myself in that moment to get the victory.”

Cannonier credits his team at The MMA Lab for much of his recent success. Training under John Crouch is a major advantage, “Killa Gorilla” said. Through self-belief and the belief of others, Cannonier feels invincible.

“I just believe in myself,” Cannonier said. “On top of that, the training we do at The MMA Lab has exploded my head. I’ve got a big head. I don’t run around talking crap or anything like that, but I have all the confidence in the world in my team and in my training, as well as myself.

“I know I can overcome anything and with the proper training, I can overcome anyone in the octagon.”

What’s next for the middleweight contender? Cannonier indicated there are options. But don’t expect him to be making any callouts anytime soon – unless it’s directed at the champion.

“The only two people who aren’t scheduled right now are (Yoel) Romero and (Paulo) Costa, but I’m not going to call them out,” Cannonier said. “I’d rather call out the champion. Ain’t no point in calling anyone else except the one who holds the belt.”