Bantamweight action is lined up for UFC Rio Rancho, as Casey Kenny will face Merab Dvalishvili.
The UFC’s Fight Night date in Rio Rancho, New Mexico next year has a battle of bantamweight prospects planned. The Body Lock was first to report that Casey Kenney and Merab Dvalishvili has been targeted for the event, expected to be headlined by Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz.
Kenney (13-1-1), a former LFA bantamweight and flyweight title holder, made his debut on the big stage at UFC on ESPN 2 in Philadelphia last year. Casey defeated Ray Borg in his coming out party, then went on to UFC 241 in August, where he got the better of Manny Bermudez. Both wins came via unanimous decision.
Overall, Kenny is on a six fight win streak heading into the Rio Rancho card. Merab Dvalishvili (9-4), meanwhile, has also won his last two trips to the octagon. After getting off to a rocky start in the UFC, with losses to Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simon, the Georgian fighter has bounced back nicely. He’s picked up wins against Terrion Ware and TUF winner Brad Katona since.
UFC Rio Rancho (UFC Fight Night 167) takes place February 15, 2020 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The event is set to air on ESPN+ (TSN in Canada).
