Casey Kenney vs. Heili Alateng added to UFC 253 lineup

A bantamweight matchup is the latest addition to UFC 253.

Casey Kenney (14-2-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will take on Heili Alateng (14-7-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on Sept. 19, likely on “Fight Island” at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking Sunday, but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Kenney made waves upon entering the UFC by upsetting Ray Borg, then bouncing Manny Bermudez out of the ranks of the unbeaten. He then saw his six-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili in February, before rebounding with a first-round submission over Louis Smolka in May.

Winner of his last four, China’s Alateng made good in his first two UFC fights, picking up decision wins over Danaa Batgerel and most recently Ryan Benoit last December at UFC on ESPN+ 23.

The latest UFC 253 card now includes:

Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa – for middleweight title
Mackenzie Dern vs. Randa Markos
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Zubaira Tukhugov
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane
Heili Alateng vs. Casey Kenney