Ex-UFC Fighter Tim Kennedy Recovering After Being Shot in Congo Ambush

Former UFC fighter and Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy is recovering in the United States after being wounded in a deadly ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kennedy, 47, was shot three times during the attack, which occurred on September 17 and resulted in at least 20 casualties, including deaths and injuries.

Kennedy is receiving treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He spoke with Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), a former Navy SEAL, on Sunday. Van Orden confirmed Kennedy's survival on social media, stating, "I just spoke to my dear friend @TimKennedyMMA. That means he is not dead and that means I am thankful." He added a plea for prayers for Kennedy's healing.

At the time of the ambush, Kennedy was working for Vectus Global, a private security firm founded by Erik Prince. The incident took place in South Kivu province in eastern Congo, a region that has experienced prolonged conflict. Reports indicate that at least seven Congolese individuals and a former member of New Zealand's Special Forces were killed in the attack. Villagers in the vicinity may also have been among the casualties.

While the specifics of the ambush remain under investigation, Congolese government sources have suggested that Rwandan forces, allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group, may have been responsible. These sources claim that Kennedy's team might have been located by following a surveillance drone they were operating. Rwanda has consistently denied accusations of supporting the M23.

The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in recent years, with the M23 rebels making territorial gains. This region is rich in minerals such as tantalum, gold, and lithium. Vectus Global was contracted by the Congolese government to assist with tax collection and combat mineral smuggling, with its operations expanding to include battlefield support.

This ambush marks the first confirmed deaths of Vectus Global contractors in Congo. Kennedy, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Green Beret, retired from professional fighting in 2017 with an 18-6 record. He has since become an author and hosts a podcast. The MMA community has expressed support for Kennedy following news of the attack, with UFC CEO Dana White and former middleweight champion Anderson Silva offering well wishes for his recovery.