Tim Kennedy (photo via Esther Lin / Showtime)

By FCF Staff

The UFC gave Tim Kennedy a huge opportunity at tonight’s “Fight for the Troops” event, and he made the most of his main event booking by knocking out Rafael Natal.

The Army Ranger blasted Natal with a leaping left hook late into round one, and earned “Knockout of the Night” and an extra $50,000 for the finish.

“Submission of the Night” went to Michael Chiesa, who tapped out Colton Smith with a rear-naked-choke, after slamming the lightweight to the mat.

“Fight of the Night” was awarded to Rustam Khabilov and Jorge Masvidal, for the lightweight’s action packed bout. Khabilov earned a unanimous decision win in the fight.

Both men earned an extra 50K for the award.

UFC FN 31 was hosted by Kentucky’s Fort Campbell.