Tim Kennedy, the former UFC star reportedly shot thrice in ambush while working for private security in DR Congo: Know more about his wife, career and the security company he works for

Former UFC fighter, Tim Kennedy, was reportedly shot multiple times in the leg during an ambush in Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Reuters. Kennedy has been working with private security contractor Vectus Global.

The attack, which occurred on September 17, left about 20 people injured or dead, Reuters reported citing two sources working with Congo’s government. Among the dead are at least seven Congolese people, a former member of New Zealand’s Special Forces and another foreign contractor apart from Kennedy, the sources said.

According to a source quoted by Reuters, the Vectus Global team had been travelling between locations when the attack occurred. The report added that the M23 rebel group may have tracked a drone to the team’s location.


Kennedy was reportedly shot three times, but survived the attack. He is now being treated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Maryland, according to the Reuters report. However, two other sources suggested that the attack was carried out by the Rwandan military.

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What is Vectus Global, the firm Kennedy works for?

The firm Kennedy works for, Vectus Global was founded by Erik Prince. Prince is also the founder of Blackwater, which is surrounded in controversy. The firm is a private military contractor that came to prominence during the Iraq War before it was disbanded. Some Blackwater members were pardoned in 2020 for killing Iraqi civilians. Prince is an ally and supporter of US President Donald Trump.

Vectus Global reportedly signed a deal worth around $300-$400 million to secure mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deal is a five-year agreement. Vectus Global is now reportedly in negotiations to provide technical and logistical support for Congo’s military aircraft and drones.

The company also operates in Haiti and other parts of Africa to provide consultancy and security services. The firm had previously helped Congo’s army in securing the city of Uvira in South Kivu against Rwanda-backed rebels. The attack that injured Kenney took place in the same region.

Tim Kennedy went from the military to UFC

Tim Kennedy built his reputation as a tough middleweight competitor during his fighting career. He was a former UFC and Strikeforce fighter, and retired from MMA in 2017. He challenged for the Strikeforce middleweight title twice, but failed both times.

He fought for the UFC from July 2013 to December 2016. He had three wins and two defeats during that time. He faced several prominent fighters, including Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum.

Before his MMA career began, Kennedy was also a member of the United States Army Special Forces. He enlisted in the army in 2004 and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan during his service. He later transitioned to the Texas Army National Guard in 2009.

In July 2025, the Maryland National Guard opened an investigation into Kennedy over allegedly lying about his service record. He revealed that he had wrongly implied that he received a military award.

Kennedy has four children and often posts about his family on social media. He also posted his opinions about politics, culture, fitness and more on social media. Kennedy also runs a popular podcast on YouTube called the ‘Overdogs USA’, which has about 293,000 subscribers. He interviews UFC fighters, veterans and cultural disruptors there.

Who is Kennedy’s wife Ginger?

Time Kennedy is married to Ginger Kennedy. The couple share two children, while Ginger is also a step mother to Kennedy’s two older daughters from previous relationships.

Ginger previously worked for a government contracting firm from 2004 to 2006. There she handled classified military equipment, Tim Kennedy told the Shawn Ryan Show. She is now known to keep a low profile.

The couple met at Fort Bragg, when Kennedy thought her to be a Russian spy. While he was deployed he had personnel watching over Ginger. They have been married for nearly 19 years.