Dana White: Tim Kennedy Will Fight A Big Name Next

When the dust settled on Tim Kennedy’s emphatic knockout of Rafael Natal in the main event of last night’s UFC Fight for the Troops 3 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, “The Sniper” had undoubtedly earned himself a shot at a top ten-ranked middleweight for his next bout.

Although we don’t know just who that is yet, UFC president Dana White guaranteed Kennedy a “big name” at UFN 31’s post-fight press conference:

“Yeah, he will (fight a big name next). Tonight was a big win; either one of these guys who would have won tonight, it was a big win for them. So, yeah, his next fight will be a very important fight.”

Kennedy is on a roll in the UFC with two victories in two fights. It’s time to sink or swim for him against top competition. Unfortunately, many of the top middleweights are already booked. Michael Bisping could be a great bout for Kennedy, but he’s on the shelf mending from a detached retina, and it’s unclear when he’ll return.

Vitor Belfort has made it clear that he won’t fight Kennedy, and he’ll be looking for a title shot if he gets past Dan Henderson at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night 32 in Brazil.

Kennedy deserves a top-level opponent. But just who should that be?