Tim Kennedy is a UFC middleweight and a U.S. Army Special Forces operator. The Strikeforce veteran is scheduled to make his UFC debut against Roger Gracie, at UFC 162, in July. In Jack Brown audio interview, Kennedy discusses the following and more:
How he balanced his military responsibilities and MMA training:
If you’re on the range shooting, or if you’re in the gym hitting things, they consider that work.
How he would characterize his years fighting for Strikeforce:
In a single word, I’d say ‘disappointing.’ I fought for the title twice and I lost decisions twice.
What has been his most satisfying performance of his fighting career thus far:
My hardest fight was Robbie Lawler…There was not an inch of my body that didn’t hurt with this guy… When I lost to Luke Rockhold, I didn’t have a mark on me. I went for a run that night. I was so furious that I lost.
How he feels about Roger Gracie as an opponent, and what other fighters in the UFC intrigue him as future opponents:
• He’s underestimated as an MMA fighter…He’s a giant for a middleweight.
•The floodgates are open…I’m a lion looking at a whole entire herd of gazelles.
•As Maverick said to Goose, ‘This is a target rich environment!’
•Demian Maia, at 170, I think would be a super fun fight.
•I had asked to fight Chris Leben.
What concerns him most about the current state of the sport of MMA:
•These guys that are using testosterone and anabolic steroids, not only is it an embarrassment for them and for the sport. It’s a direct slap in the face to every martial artist on the planet that’s ever been before us or that will come after us.
•I’m so glad that Dana has turned the corner and talks about testosterone.
•If your body can’t do it right, then don’t do it!
What it means to be a fighter and how much he enjoys it:
•I’m a fighter, period. Cagefighter, yeah. Combat veteran, yeah. Sniper, yeah. Ranger, yeah. Green Beret. Those are all just little portions of who I am.
•When I’m sitting here late at night…I’m looking at this window next to me wishing there was a zombie tapping on my door. That would be awesome! Or my front door just gets kicked in by a bunch of people doing a home invasion/robbery. I’d be like, yes, this is awesome!
•In the military, they call it ‘sheepdogs’ – guys that are always looking for the wolves. I guess that’s what I’ve always been and that’s what I’m going to be.
Thank you so much for listening and please follow @TimKennedyMMA and @jackjohnbrown on Twitter.
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Thank you to @KirikJenness for @theUG.
