Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland is planned for October 15 as the main event at the UFC Apex. The fight is not a done deal but is targeted right now according to Ariel Helwani.
Jared Cannonier (15-6, 8-6 UFC) is currently ranked #2 in the Middleweight division. He is coming off of a unanimous decision loss to champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 276. The fight had close rounds according to the Verdict Scorecard but Israel would receive the nod on almost every one. This will be Cannonier's 4th UFC main event.
Sean Strickland (25-4, 12-4 UFC) also fought on UFC 276. He faced kickboxing legend and one-half of the upcoming main event at UFC 281, Alex Pereira. Pereira knocked Strickland out in the 1st round with his signature left hook. This will be Strickland's 3rd UFC main event.
These two have been on each other's radars since Strickland began climbing the ranks at 185 after moving up from 170. Cannonier moved all the way down to the Middleweight division from Heavyweight. Both are now in need of a win if they wish to re-insert themselves into the title picture.