Trump Hotel Bomber's Shooting Competition With UFC® Star
Tim Kennedy, a former UFC® star and Green Beret, made a jaw-dropping revelation that ties him to one of the most bizarre and tragic incidents of the year: the Las Vegas Cybertruck® explosion. In a twist no one saw coming, Kennedy's past and the explosive New Year's Day event are connected in a way that has left him — and many others — stunned.
From Reality TV Partners to a National Tragedy
In a shocking twist linking two seemingly unrelated worlds, former UFC fighter and Green Beret Tim Kennedy revealed that he once partnered with Matthew Livelsberger — the suspect in the New Year's Day Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas — on a military-themed reality TV show.
Kennedy, 45, explained in an Instagram post that he and Livelsberger, 37, competed together in The Ultimate Soldier Challenge, a History Channel series that aired in 2013. The show pitted military operators from different nations against each other in grueling competitions. Kennedy and Livelsberger, representing the U.S. Army's Special Forces, won their episode, titled "Green Berets vs. Norwegians."
"13 years ago I competed in a shooting competition on History Channel called 'The Ultimate Soldiers Challenge,'" Kennedy wrote, according to Fox News. "My partner in this competition was Matt Burg (aka Matt Livelsberger). Last night when I saw old photos of him on the news, I put together that it was the same guy."
Livelsberger, a highly decorated master sergeant with the U.S. Army Special Forces, earned multiple Bronze Stars, including one for valor under fire. At the time of the explosion, he was on leave from his post in Germany, where he served with the 10th Special Forces Group.
A Tragic Incident
On Jan. 1, Livelsberger drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck to the Trump® International Hotel in Las Vegas. Authorities believe he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head moments before the truck exploded. The blast injured seven bystanders and caused significant damage.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified Livelsberger using his tattoos, military ID, and credit cards found at the scene. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the explosion.
Kennedy expressed heartbreak and confusion over the news, describing Livelsberger as a "sincere, hard-working, talented, and competent Special Forces operator," as reported by Fox News.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
While Livelsberger was celebrated for his military achievements, reports suggest he battled personal struggles and sought help from military mental health services multiple times.
Livelsberger was home on leave with his wife and 8-month-old child at the time of the incident. This tragedy highlights the unseen challenges faced by veterans and active service members, even those with distinguished careers.
Remembering a Fallen Partner
For Kennedy, the news is a painful reminder of the complexities behind the public image of a soldier. "I am flabbergasted and heartbroken," Kennedy wrote, according to Fox News. "None of this makes sense and I, like many others, are confused and want answers."
The Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion remains under investigation, leaving many unanswered questions about what led to this devastating event.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
References: Ex-UFC Fighter Says He Starred in Reality Show Alongside Suspect in Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion | Ex-UFC star reveals surprising link to the suspect of Vegas Cybertruck explosion
