Lyoto Machida

By FCF Staff

After agreeing to fight Vitor Belfort at either light-heavyweight or middleweight, and after a proposed match-up with Nick Diaz failed to materialize, the UFC has announced that Lyoto Machida will fight middleweight Tim Kennedy on November 6th. The bout will headline the promotion’s next “Fight for the Troops” card, which will take place November 6th in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Machida (19-4) has relayed for sometime now that he was considering moving from 205 pounds to 185, and following his controversial, split decision to Phil Davis at UFC 163, the vet will make the drop. Heading into his August 3rd bout with Davis, Machida had scored a split decision win over Dan Henderson and a knockout victory over Ryan Bader.

Kennedy (16-4) also recently offered to fight Belfort, but the middleweight contender isn’t willing to fight at middleweight and will not battle Henderson on November 9th. The Strikeforce veteran made his Octagon debut on July 6th and worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Roger Gracie.

Kennedy is also a veteran soldier and a former Bronze Star medal winner, so it’s not surprising to see the UFC book him for a “Fight for the Troops” card.

The upcoming, UFC Fight Night 31 event, will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1.