Former UFC fighter and U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy reportedly survived an ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sept. 17, sustaining three gunshot wounds to his leg.
Green Berets specialize in unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, reconnaissance and training allied military forces, often operating in small teams on specialized missions.
Kennedy, 47, was reportedly among three private security contractors caught in the attack. Accounts indicate his evacuation took approximately eight hours before he was flown to the United States for medical treatment, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
The alleged attack has also been linked to the death of Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s elite Special Air Service (NZSAS). Conaglen’s death in Africa was separately reported in September, while a third contractor was reportedly injured.
Kennedy competed professionally in mixed martial arts for more than a decade, including appearances in the UFC and Strikeforce. He opened his career with eight consecutive wins following an initial loss. He retired in January 2017 with 18 wins and six losses, including victories over future UFC champions Michael Bisping and Robbie Lawler.
Beyond his fighting career, Kennedy enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004 and served with the 7th Special Forces Group, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked as a Special Forces weapons sergeant and later served in the Texas Army National Guard.
