Report: Michael Bisping-Tim Kennedy Targeted for ‘TUF: Nations’ Finale in April

---

After plenty of trash talk on social media, it appears that the long-rumored middleweight clash between Michael Bisping and Tim Kennedy is but a few small steps from becoming a reality.

Fox Sports first reported news of the matchup on Sunday, although bout agreements have yet to be issued to either fighter. Bisping recently told BT Sports Beyond the Octagon that he has been medically cleared by his doctor to compete but the UFC still wants him to undergo more visual testing before the bout is finalized.

Bisping has been on the shelf since defeating Alan Belcher at UFC 159 this past April. It was later discovered that he had fought both Vitor Belfort and Belcher with a detached retina. Bisping underwent surgery for the injury after the Belcher victory, but the retina re-detached and he was forced to withdraw from a proposed meeting with Mark Munoz at UFC Fight Night 30.

Kennedy, meanwhile, is 2-0 since making the transition from Strikeforce to the UFC, as he outpointed Roger Gracie in his Octagon debut before knocking out Rafael Natal at UFC Fight Night 31.

The ‘TUF: Nations” finale is expected to take place on April 16 in Canada and will also include the middleweight and welterweight tournament finals from the reality show, which is currently airing on Fox Sports 1.