Rashad Evans vs. Tim Kennedy Bout Canceled for UFC 205
The highly anticipated middleweight match-up between Rashad Evans and Tim Kennedy has been pulled from Saturday's UFC 205 fight card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The bout was reportedly nixed due to the New York State Athletic Commission having a concern with Evans' medicals. ESPN's Brett Okamoto was the first to reveal the news, citing UFC president Dana White as his source.
The bout was to be the former light heavyweight champion's first at middleweight, after having lost four out of his last six fights at 205 pounds.
Evans made his way to the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter, winning the second season's heavyweight tournament. He had competed at light heavyweight prior to TUF, and returned to the division immediately after winning the reality show tournament.
At the time of publication, MMAWeekly.com sources couldn't confirm whether or not the commission had concerns relating to Evans' first cut to 185 pounds, only that it was related to his medicals.
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While Evans fought in April of this year, losing to Glover Teixeira, Kennedy hasn't fought in more than two years. He was hoping a victory over the former light heavyweight champion would put him in the thick of the title mix at middleweight, as he appears closer than ever to retiring from fighting.
MMAWeekly.com will provide more information as we receive details on why Evans was pulled from the fight and how the promotion will adjust the schedule. Evans vs. Kennedy was slated for the Fox Sports 1 preliminary card.
