Strikeforce import, current UFC middleweight and new fan favorite Tim Kennedy finally got an opponent.
After seeing his fight with Lyoto Machida fall through due to the former light heavyweight champ’s replacing Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 30, the U.S. Army veteran’s main event spot at Fight for the Troops 3 was in jeopardy. After a hilarious series of Twitter call-outs, the UFC announced he will face off with Brazilian Rafael Natal atop the November 6 card.
RT @UFCTonight #BREAKING: @rafaelsaponatal will be the one to step in and face @TimKennedyMMA at #FFTT Nov. 6th. http://t.co/VoTRPRaI2p
— UFC (@ufc) October 1, 2013
Kennedy’s Twitter account has been a steady source of amusement over the last few days, posting ridiculous photographs and calling out over a dozen other middleweight fighters.
All @ufc fighters, This is the dude that you are all too scared to fight. pic.twitter.com/iIYwqcY09D
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) September 28, 2013
Fighters Kennedy has jokingly put on blast include (deep inhale) Cung Le, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Camozzi, Ed Herman, Hector Lombard, Thales Leites, Costas Philippou, Mauricio Rua and Gegard Mousasi. He has also made less-realistic calls to fight Alistair Overeem, John Dodson and Nick Diaz. Each tongue-in-cheek swipe came with a unique challenge for each prospective opponent.
I think @ShogunRua dresses like a Brooklyn pimp (not the classy kind). I should give him a lesson in style and fighting. @ufc FFTT 3 Nov 6th
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) September 28, 2013
I wanted to point out to Mr. @thalesleites that my last 3 opponents were from Brazil & they “fell through”perhaps you would actually show up
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) September 28, 2013
News flash!!! @nickdiaz209 I stole your pot, and bicycle. If you want them back you have to come out of retirement and fight me @ufc Nov 6th
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) September 28, 2013
Kennedy, as stated, will be headlining UFC Fight for the Troops 3.
The UFC is a major supporter of the United States Armed Forces and has repeatedly sent fighters abroad to meet and greet troops. Stateside, they have put on cards exclusively for service members and their families, filling the cards up with veterans like Brandon Wolff, Steve Bruno and Damarques Johnson.
Fight for the Troops 3, though, is the first time a veteran will appear at the top of the card. In addition to Kennedy, former Marine Liz Carmouche will fight Alexis Davis in the co-main event, and active Army member Colton Smith will make his lightweight debut opposite Michael Chiesa.
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