Retired mixed martial artist Tim Kennedy is in Afghanistan amongst the chaos ensuing the United States’ removal of military forces from the nation. Kennedy, who is most famous for his tenure in the UFC and Strikeforce, is currently on the ground in Afghanistan working alongside NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to assist those trapped within the nation.
Highlighting Tim Kennedy: American Warrior
Tim Kennedy’s Career as a Mixed Martial Artist
Kennedy began martial arts training as a kid . By 1999, Kennedy began training with the likes of Chuck Liddell at The Pit in California. Kennedy would go on to win his first professional fight in 2001 and would garner a record of 5-1 by February 2003. On September 11th, 2001, Kennedy enlisted as a member of the U.S. Army.
Kennedy Returns to Professional Competition
In 2006, Tim Kennedy would return to professional competition, knocking out Héctor Urbina in the first round at Fight Fest 7. Kennedy would go on to compete four times in 2007, winning in three of his fights. During the same year, Kennedy would complete the U.S. Army Ranger School, an intensive small unit tactics and close combat course. Kennedy would go on to deploy several times as an active-duty member of the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Kennedy most notably served as a sniper during this time and was a member of the U.S. Army Green Berets.
In 2009, Kennedy would return to MMA competition once again, competing in Strikeforce. Kennedy would win three straight, defeating Nick Thompson, Zak Cummings, and Trevor Prangley. At Strikeforce: Houston, Kennedy competed for the vacant Strikeforce Middleweight Championship, but would drop the bout to Jacaré Souza via decision.
Move to UFC
In 2011, Kennedy would go undefeated, topping Melvin Manhoef and Robbie Lawler. Kennedy would then challenge Luke Rockhold in July 2012 for the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship but would fall short of his title hopes. In a rebounding effort, Kennedy would submit Trevor Smith in January 2013. At UFC 162, Kennedy would make his promotional debut by defeating Roger Gracie via unanimous decision.
Final Fights
Tim Kennedy would go on to knockout Rafael Natal at UFC Fight Night 31, a performance that would earn him the Knockout of the Night accolade. In his first fight of 2014, Kennedy would face Michael Bisping in the main event of the TUF: Nations Finale. Kennedy would go on to earn the nod from all three judges, earning a unanimous decision victory. At UFC 178, Yoel Romero would stop Tim Kennedy in the third round via punches and Kelvin Gastelum would do the same at UFC 206. On January 17, 2017, Kennedy retired from MMA competition.
Post MMA Career
In 2018, Kennedy would host Discovery Channel’s show Hard to Kill. This would be Kennedy’s second major TV appearance outside of combat sports competition, having first hosted the History Channel’s Hunting Hitler in 2015. In 2019, Kennedy founded SheepDog Response, a company providing real world combative training to average people. Kennedy would then launch the Apogee Strong, a young men’s online mentorship program in 2020 and would open a private school by the same name in 2021.
Efforts in Afghanistan
Since arriving in Afghanistan, Tim Kennedy has been chronicling his efforts and the efforts of the people he is working with via his social media. Kennedy has indicated that he does not plan on sleeping “till this is done”.
God bless Tim Kennedy, a true American warrior.
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