Michael Bisping Gains Clearance, Faces Tim Kennedy in TUF Nations Main Event

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping finally got the clearance he’d been hoping for so that he can fight Tim Kennedy in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale on April 16 in Quebec City, Quebec.

UFC president Dana White revealed the news during a media gathering on Thursday in New York.

Less than 24 hours after UFC Tonight reported that Bisping’s most recent eye exam was deemed “inconclusive,” Bisping hinted at getting clearance in a Tweet targeting Kennedy, and then White confirmed his clearance during the media scrum.

Bisping suffered a detached retina in his right eye while preparing to face Mark Munoz in a bout planned for last October. It’s a reoccurring injury that he first suffered in his UFC 159 fight with Alan Belcher.

He then developed a cataract in the eye, so UFC officials have been extra cautious in allowing him back into the Octagon.

Bouts already announced for the TUF Nations Finale include Canadian coach Patrick Cote vs. Aussie coach Kyle Noke, Sam Stout vs. KJ Noons, Mitch Gagnon vs. Tim Gorman, and Evan Dunham vs. Mark Bocek, as well as the welterweight and middleweight finals for the reality series.