Natal (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

After Lyoto Machida was moved from UFC Fight Night 31 to replace the injured Michael Bisping (versus Mark Munoz), the promotion has announced that Rafael Natal will fight Tim Kennedy. The middleweight bout will headline the “Fight for the Troops” card, which will take place at Kentucky’s Fort Campbell.

Natal (17-4-1) is currently on a three fight win streak, which includes wins over Sean Spencer, Joao Zeferino and Tor Troeng. After the match-up was announced, the renowned grappler tweeted:

GOD is WONDERFULLLLLLLL AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU…

Kennedy (16-4) will be looking to build on the UD victory he scored over Roger Gracie at UFC 162, which marked the fighter’s Octagon debut. The decorated soldier is 4-1 in his last 5 bouts, with his only loss coming against former Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold.

UFC FN 31 will be broadcast live throughout the U.S. on FOX Sports 1.