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UFC Veteran Tim Kennedy Hospitalized After Being Shot Three Times in Deadly Congo Attack

UFC Veteran Tim Kennedy Hospitalized After Being Shot Three Times in Deadly Congo Attack
Daily News

Tim Kennedy Survives Ambush in Congo

Tim Kennedy, a former UFC middleweight and U.S. Army Green Beret, was seriously injured during an attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 17. He suffered three gunshot wounds to his leg amid an ambush that left around 20 people either killed or wounded.

Details of the Incident

The attack occurred in South Kivu province while Kennedy was traveling with a team from Vectus Global, a private security firm founded by Erik Prince, known for leading Blackwater. The group was moving between locations when they were struck, according to a Reuters report.

  • Date of attack: September 17
  • Location: South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Casualties: About 20 people killed or wounded
  • Injuries to Kennedy: Three gunshot wounds to the leg
  • Others affected: At least seven Congolese nationals and a former New Zealand Special Forces member

Update on Kennedy's Condition

Kennedy is currently receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C. Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden shared a public update after personally speaking with Kennedy, stating:

"I just spoke to my dear friend @TimKennedyMMA. That means he is not dead and that means I am thankful. I am asking everyone to pray for his healing and that his wonderful family find Peace."

Career Highlights

At 47 years old, Kennedy last fought professionally in the UFC in 2016. His final bouts there included losses to Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum. Before those matches, he had won three consecutive UFC fights against notable fighters Michael Bisping, Roger Gracie, and Rafael Natal.

  • Overall MMA record: 18-6
  • Notable achievements: Competed twice for the Strikeforce middleweight title in 2010 and 2012

Past Controversy

In 2025, Kennedy faced criticism after admitting to fabricating part of his military record, specifically regarding a claimed Bronze Star Medal with Valor, which he later said was untrue.

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