English lightweight Paul Kelly (Pictured) will meet T.J. O’Brien in a preliminary matchup at UFC 123 “Rampage vs. Machida” on Nov. 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Mich. O’Brien replaces the injured Gabe Ruediger at the event, which will air live on pay-per-view.
O’Brien was eliminated from Season 12 of “The Ultimate Fighter” during the qualifying round, as he was knocked out in 13 seconds by Marc Stevens. The 23-year-old Prole, Iowa-based lightweight will carry a six-fight winning streak into his promotional debut. O’Brien last appeared on Oct. 22, when he submitted Josh Henry with a first-round rear-naked choke under the Midwest Cage Championships banner in Des Moines, Iowa. He has secured 15 of his 16 career victories by submission, 10 of them by triangle choke. In 19 professional bouts, O’Brien has never gone the distance.
A light heavyweight showdown between former champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Lyoto Machida will headline UFC 123, along with the rubber match between UFC hall of famer Matt Hughes and former two-division titleholder B.J. Penn.
UFC 123 “Rampage vs. Machida”
Saturday, Nov. 20
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, Mich.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida
B.J. Penn vs. Matt Hughes
Aaron Simpson vs. Mark Munoz
Gerald Harris vs. Maiquel Jose Falcao Goncalves
George Sotiropoulos vs. Joe Lauzon
Brian Foster vs. Matt Brown
Tyson Griffin vs. Nik Lentz
Phil Davis vs. Tim Boetsch
Edson Barboza vs. Darren Elkins
Karo Parisyan vs. Dennis Hallman
Paul Kelly vs. T.J. O’Brien