Tim Kennedy

Timothy Fred Kennedy (born September 1, 1979) is an American soldier and retired mixed martial artist.

In 1999, Kennedy began training with Chuck Liddell, Jake Shields, Gan McGee, and John Hackleman at The Pit in San Luis Obispo, and made his debut in 2001.

A professional from 2001 until 2016, he has fought in the UFC, Strikeforce, the WEC, ShoMMA, HDNet Fights, and represented the Chicago Red Bears in the IFL.

Kennedy is one of the few fighters to simultaneously serve in the United States Army and fight professionally.

He is also a television host, producer, and entrepreneur.

Kennedy grew up the second son of three children in a Christian family in Atascadero, California.

He is of Irish descent.

As a youth, Kennedy's mother placed him in cooking and piano lessons.

To Offset her influence on him, Kennedy's father enrolled Tim and his brother in boxing lessons, wrestling teams, and Japanese ju-jitsu classes.

In 2003 he entered and won a one-night tournament at Extreme Challenge 50.

Tim Kennedy joined the Army on January 4, 2004, and completed Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, Airborne School, Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Kennedy was featured in Dick Couch's book about Green Beret selection called Chosen Soldier under the moniker "Tom Kendall".

Kennedy only fought once in 2006.

In 2007, he completed Ranger School and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, where he served on Operational Detachment Alpha.

During this time he was also a sniper, sniper instructor, and the principal combatives instructor for C Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group.

Kennedy deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) multiple times.

He then fought for the now defunct International Fight League in 2007, and did not fight in 2008 due to Army deployments overseas.

During this time he wrote a three part series of "Letters from a Foreign Land" that chronicled his time in combat.

In August 2009, Kennedy transitioned from active duty to the Texas Army National Guard, joined 19th Special Forces Group and served in the position of Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, and has continued to serve with the Texas Army National Guard since then.

Among Kennedy's multiple awards are the Army's Bronze Star Medal.

Kennedy returned to mixed martial arts in 2009 with a win over Nick Thompson at Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg in Kent, Washington.

He followed this up with an impressive win over Zak Cummings in the main event of ShoMMA 3.

Kennedy fought Trevor Prangley on June 16, 2010, at Strikeforce: Los Angeles.

He won via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in the first round.

Since his move to Austin, Texas, Kennedy has been training at Competitive Training Center and with BJJ black belt Phil Cardella at the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Austin Association.

Kennedy lost a 5-round decision to Ronaldo Souza for the vacant Strikeforce Middleweight Championship at Strikeforce: Houston on August 21, 2010.

He was expected to face Jason Miller again on March 5, 2011, at Strikeforce 32.

However, Miller was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Melvin Manhoef.

He won via submission in the first round.

He returned in July 2011 to face Robbie Lawler at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson.

He won the bout via unanimous decision.

He faced Luke Rockhold on July 14, 2012, for the Strikeforce Middleweight championship at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Kennedy was expected to face Trevor Smith on November 3, 2012, at Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Mir.

However, the event was cancelled due to injuries to headliner Frank Mir, as well to co-headliner and middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.

This bout eventually took place on January 12, 2013, at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.

Kennedy won via submission in the third round.

In January 2013, the Strikeforce organization was closed by its parent company Zuffa.

On April 16, 2017, Kennedy announced his reenlistment into the U.S. Army Special Forces, praising the leadership of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

Kennedy began training at Dokan School of Martial Arts in Atascadero, California under Terry Kelly and Barry Smith.