Edgar-Stephens, 4 more fights confirmed for UFC 205 in New York
A handful of bouts rumored for UFC 205 have finally been confirmed.
A featherweight tilt between top-10 contenders Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens was confirmed for the New York event by Megan Olivi during Wednesday night's broadcast of "UFC Tonight."
A former lightweight champion, Edgar saw his run at the interim 145-pound title handily ended by Jose Aldo at UFC 200. He faces a streaky but always lethal striker in Stephens, who last fought when he spoiled Renan Barao's divisional debut by unanimous decision in May.
In another previously reported bout, Donald Cerrone will aim to preserve his perfect welterweight record against Kelvin Gastelum. "Cowboy" improved his 170-pound resume to 3-0 at UFC 202, finishing Rick Story by strikes in the second round. Gastelum steps in for former division king Robbie Lawler. He last beat Johny Hendricks by decision at UFC 200.
Also confirmed for the bill was Rashad Evans' middleweight debut against a returning Tim Kennedy. "Suga" had previously announced the long-rumored matchup on CBS. Kennedy's last Octagon appearance came in September 2014 at UFC 178, where he was finished by Yoel Romero in the third round.
Fellow middleweight Tim Boetsch will look for his second-straight victory when he takes on Rafael Natal, whose four-fight win streak was snapped by a decision loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC 197.
Rounding out the announcement is former women's bantamweight title challenger Liz Carmouche's return against Katlyn Chookagian. Carmouche hasn't fought since April 2015 when she took a decision over Lauren Murphy.
The card will also feature welterweight champion Tyron Woodley's first title defense against Stephen Thompson, a winner of seven straight. The champ broke the news himself on FOX Sports last week.
UFC 205, scheduled for Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden, remains without a main event.