The American told MMA Junkie publication after arriving on the Australian continent the day before.
Last July, Jared Cannonier made an unsuccessful attempt to take the championship belt from Israel Adesanya, losing to the Nigerian by unanimous decision over five rounds. The 39-year-old American then made it two wins in a row, winning a split decision over Sean Strickland and a unanimous decision over Marvin Vettori.
Above Cannonier in the rankings are Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis, ranked second and first in the division, respectively. The South African sensationally knocked out the Australian in a challenger’s bout in July, but refused to step up for a fight against the champion two months later, conceding a title shot to Strickland.