Inspired by Mattis and McMaster Appointments, Tim Kennedy Announces Army Re-Enlistment

Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce veteran Tim Kennedy has figured out what's next for him after retiring from MMA: it's a comeback, but not one that involves headed back to the cage.

The 37-year-old Kennedy has announced that he has re-enlisted in the United States Army Special Forces, inspired by recent appointments made by U.S. President Donald Trump following his election victory last November.

“I love what I do. I think people like to do the things they're made to do. God put me on the planet for this reason,” Kennedy told TMZ Sports on Monday. “There's nothing like doing the things you love to do when you have the support, excitement and encouragement of your seniors.

Specifically, Kennedy cited General James Mattis being named Secretary of Defense, as well as the appointment of H.R. McMaster as National Security Adviser as the critical factors in his decision, praising both as “brilliant strategists” and “the leaders that we haven't had in the last 70 years.”

“I was waiting until November to decide if I was going to re-enlist, my current enlistment was ending the beginning of the year,” Kennedy stated. “When Donald Trump starts putting guys like General Mattis and General McMaster in my chain of command? Dude, let me tell you how good my life is about to get. You drop chemical weapons on some kids and women? We're going to shoot 60 Tomahawk missiles at your face.”

TMZ Sports stated that Kennedy was due to deploy in the coming weeks, but naturally, couldn't reveal precisely where. A Bronze Star Medal recipient, Kennedy joined the Army in 2004 before deploying several times as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom. In August 2009, Kennedy moved out of active duty to the Texas Army National Guard, serving as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant.

“I do believe Donald Trump likes to win. You know, I don't agree with his politics, sometimes I don't agree with his policies, but that guy like to win,” Kennedy said, smiling. “He maybe hates losing more than anything I can imagine. That's not necessarily a testament to his character, that's just who he is.”

Following his controversial third-round knockout loss to Yoel Romero at UFC 178 in September 2014, Kennedy spent over two years away from the cage before returning at UFC 206 in Toronto this past December. Kennedy was knocked out, again in the third round, by Kelvin Gastelum and then announced his retirement after a 15-year MMA career.