The first pay-per-view event of 2022 has it’s first addition – and it’s a big fight for the middleweight division.
Top contenders Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier will collide Jan. 22 at a yet-to-be-announced event expected to be UFC 270. No location or venue has been finalized at this time.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking Monday to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Brunson (23-7 MMA, 17-6 UFC) rides a five-fight winning streak into one of the biggest opportunities of his career. The recent stretch of success includes victories over Elias Theodorou, Ian Heinisch, Edmen Shahbazyan, Kevin Holland, and most recently, Darren Till.
Cannonier (14-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) enters the fight a winner of four of his most recent five outings. Outside of a loss to Robert Whittaker two fights ago, Cannonier has racked up wins over David Branch, Anderson Silva, Jack Hermansson, and most recently, Kevlin Gastelum.
While not official, UFC president Dana White has indicated the promotion is eying a middleweight title fight (potentially for January) between champion Israel Adesanya and former champion Robert Whittaker, though persistent COVID-19 travel issues could come into play.
No other fights have been announced for UFC 270 at this time.
