Derek Brunson vs. Dan Kelly in the works for UFC's return to New Zealand
An intriguing new middleweight matchup between Derek Brunson and Dan Kelly is in the works for the upcoming UFC Fight Night card in New Zealand on June 11.
Sources close to the contest confirmed the news to FOX Sports on Monday following an initial report from FloCombat. UFC officials have not made any announcement regarding the fight.
The matchup will serve as Brunson's chance to get back on track following a pair of losses in his most recent outings against Robert Whittaker and Anderson Silva.
Brunson disputed the results of the fight against Silva, which ended in a very close decision at UFC 208 back in February, but now he'll move forward in his career while looking to get back into the win column in his next bout.
Meanwhile, Kelly is currently riding a four-fight win streak including a victory over former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans from his last bout at UFC 209 in early March.
A former four-time Olympian from Australia, Kelly has amassed an impressive 6-1 record during his UFC career but he'll face arguably the toughest test yet when he takes on Brunson in June.
