Thread: Tim Kennedy to pursue full-time MMA career

More good news...this guy is good. It was back in late '07 but his fight v. Mayhem (the second one) was one great fight.

While not yet a household name in mixed martial arts, middleweight Tim Kennedy has all the tools needed to go far in the sport.

Despite an impressive 9-2 record with notable victories over Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Dante Rivera, Ryan McGivern, and Hector Urbina, Kennedy has yet to breakthrough into the sport’s upper-echelon at 185 pounds.

The issue for Kennedy has been that since 2001, he has competed in just 11 pro bouts. His part-time fight schedule can be directly attributed to the fact that he’s Staff Sargent with the United States Army.

But things could be about to change for Kennedy, as the Army Times is reporting that Kennedy plans to go on terminal leave in the fall and eventually leave the Army. His enlistment ends on Jan. 5.

Kennedy apparently considered re-enlisting but the article indicates his bosses at Special Operations Command are currently preventing him from competing in civilian MMA fights. After five years in the military, Kennedy was put in a position where he has to make a choice.

Kennedy’s decision is notable because after compiling a perfect 3-0 record in the IFL, he is considered one of the top unsigned talents in this sport. A tremendous all-around fighting talent, Kennedy also comes with a backstory that would make any promoter drool.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com has spoken to several sources with top major MMA promotions in recent months that have confirmed their interest in Kennedy. Once they hear that he is going to pursue MMA on a full-time basis, their interest level is likely only to increase.

Tim Kennedy planning to leave Armed Forces and pursue full-time MMA career :Five Ounces of Pain

Another boneheaded mistake by our fine organization. The Army doesn't realize what a great recruiting tool this would be! Oh well, best of luck to Tim! He is a great fighter and I hope he does well doing it full time!

Without getting all political, i don't blame anyone for leaving the Military these days. He's done his time and wishes to persue other interests that apparently the Army is unwilling to let him do.

Oh, and I agree 100%. I'm a soldier and have been for ten years. Just the thing was I know Kennedy and he was all about staying in but his unit stopped letting him compete professionally. I just think Tim would be a great recruiting tool for the Army. I mean he is a great fighter, and would draw a lot of publicity fighting pro for the Army.

Originally Posted by takeAnap

Oh, and I agree 100%. I'm a soldier and have been for ten years. Just the thing was I know Kennedy and he was all about staying in but his unit stopped letting him compete professionally. I just think Tim would be a great recruiting tool for the Army. I mean he is a great fighter, and would draw a lot of publicity fighting pro for the Army.

It does seem like the Army will be missing out on some publicity but at the same time they're also letting go of a distraction. I guess what i am saying is that the military couldn't really allow for one guy to fight and train professionally while still maintain his regular duties. Just a guess on my part. I can't say i know much about the day to day activities of the Army or its policy regarding such matters. You also have to consider how far Kennedy wants to go in the sport. There isn't a top 10 fighter today that has a real job and the Army has its fair share of responsibility.