The UFC middleweight division is quickly getting crowded towards the top. After the past couple of days, every fighter in the top eight of the UFC rankings is now booked. Two big matchups announced over the weekend headline the matchups now.
Jared Cannonier (15-6) is coming off a loss in his attempt to win the Middleweight title off of Israel Adesanya. The fight itself was far from fan-friendly and now he has a chance to earn their love and admiration back by facing Sean Strickland (25-4).
A matchup that is sure to bring fireworks is an example of perfect matchmaking on the UFC’s part. While Cannonier comes off the title loss, Strickland is also coming off a devastating loss of his own. The same night of the most recent middleweight title fight was when Strickland was knocked out by now number one contender Alex Pereira. Both men remain ranked inside the top seven so a win for either one could fast-track them back into contention.
The matchup between the two is expected to headline a UFC Fight Night. The host venue for the card is expected to be the UFC Apex card on October 15, 2022.
Another fun matchup for the division was announced this weekend as well. Jack Hermansson (23-7) looks to keep building momentum as he faces Derek Brunson (23-8). Brunson is coming off a knockout loss to the aforementioned Jared Cannonier but remains in the division’s top four.
For Hermansson, he has been alternating wins and losses since 2019 so with a win he would be on a winning streak for the first time in three years. Despite all that, he has stayed inside the division’s top ten and is currently ranked at number eight. In the case of Brunson, he needs to rebound from his first loss since 2018.
Brunson still is very much in consideration for an eventual title opportunity against Adesanya. Brunson wants to get a rematch against the current middleweight champion after they faced off at UFC 230 which was, coincidently, his last loss. A win against Hermansson won’t earn him a title shot most likely but it could get him into a number one contender’s matchup as Adesanya continues to clear the division out.
This matchup is expected to take place on a UFC Fight Night card on December 3rd, 2022. The venue is yet to be announced by the UFC.
