Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy in the works for TUF Nations Finale headliner
A middleweight bout between Michael Bisping (24-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Tim Kennedy (17-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is in the works for April’s TUF Nations Finale event, and the fight is expected to headline the card if “The Count†can satisfy the UFC’s medical requirements.
Bisping has been sidelined for several months while recovering for surgery to repair a detached retina. The British slugger recently told BT Sport his doctors have greenlighted his return but UFC officials have requested additional testing and documentation.
FOX Sports first reported the planned slot for the matchup, which would take place April 16 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. MMAjunkie subsequently confirmed the plans with a source close to the event who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss those details. The card serves as the tournament final of “The Ultimate Fighter Nations,†which features Canadian and Australian teams of prospective UFC fighters and is currently airing on FOX Sports 1.
The TUF Nations Finale is also expected to air on FOX Sports 1 with prelims streaming on UFC Fight Pass.
Bisping looks to build on the strength of an April 2013 technical decision win over Alan Belcher. Oddly, it was an accidental Bisping eye poke that left Belcher unable to continue, ending the fight early and turning the results over to the judges. The victory was a successful rebound for Bisping, who was downed by Vitor Belfort in January 2013.
Meanwhile, Kennedy currently boasts a three-fight winning streak, a run that includes UFC wins over Rafael Natal and Roger Gracie. Prior to making his way to the UFC, Kennedy was 4-2 in Strikeforce, with the two losses coming in failed bids for the promotion’s middleweight title against Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo “Jacare†Souza.
