UFC Fighter Tim Kennedy Wounded in Deadly Congo Ambush, Now Hospitalized

Tim Kennedy, a former UFC middleweight and U.S. Army Green Beret, was seriously wounded after being shot three times in his leg during an ambush on September 17 in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack resulted in about 20 people being killed or injured.

Details of the Incident and Current Condition

The assault targeted a group that included at least seven Congolese nationals and a former New Zealand Special Forces member. Kennedy was part of a team traveling between locations when the ambush occurred. He is now receiving medical care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C., according to reports from Newsweek and Reuters.

"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," said Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, who confirmed speaking with Kennedy after the attack.

Background on Tim Kennedy’s Career and Controversy

At 47 years old, Kennedy last competed in the UFC in 2016. His recent bouts included losses to Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum. Before those defeats, he held a three-fight winning streak against Michael Bisping, Roger Gracie, and Rafael Natal. Kennedy also challenged twice for the Strikeforce middleweight title but did not win it in 2010 and 2012.

In 2025, Kennedy faced criticism after admitting he had fabricated parts of his military record, including falsely claiming to have been awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Work with Private Security Firm

At the time of the shooting, Kennedy was reportedly working for Vectus Global, a private security and consulting company founded by Erik Prince, known for his role as former head of Blackwater. The team was ambushed while moving between locations, leading to the casualties and injuries.

• Date of incident: September 17, 2026
• Location: South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Number of casualties: Around 20 people killed or wounded
• Kennedy's injuries: Three gunshot wounds to the leg
• Medical facility: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• Age of Kennedy: 47 years old
• Last UFC fight: 2016
• MMA record: 18 wins, 6 losses