Former UFC fighter was partnered on reality show with soldier involved in Cybertruck attack

Published Jan 07, 2025  •  2 minute read

Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy takes part in a History Channel show called The Ultimate Soldiers Challenge. Instagram

A former UFC fighter revealed that he was partnered on a reality show with the U.S. soldier who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas.

Article content

Article content

Tim Kennedy, who also is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, posted on Instagram earlier this week that he was shocked to learn that his former teammate on the History Channel’s Ultimate Soldier Challenge, Matthew Livelsberger, was the man alleged to be behind the explosive attack on New Year’s Day.

In his Instagram post, Kennedy wrote, “13 years ago I competed in a shooting competition on History Channel called The Ultimate Soldiers Challenge. My partner in this competition was Matt Burg (aka Matt Livelsberger).

Article content

“Last night when I saw old photos of him on the news, I put together that it was the same guy.

“I am flabbergasted and heartbroken to hear the news. None of this makes sense and I like many others are confused and want answers.”

Livelsberger, a decorated special forces operator, parked in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1 and blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck,

Authorities reportedly believe that Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head before the vehicle exploded, injuring seven people.

The show, which aired one season in 2013, featured teams of military personnel competing in various drills.

Recommended from Editorial

1. 

   Soldier who died by suicide in Las Vegas told ex-girlfriend of pain and exhaustion after Afghanistan

2. 

   Soldier who blew up Tesla at Trump hotel left note saying blast was to be 'wake-up call' for U.S.

Article content

During the episode that Kennedy and Livelsberger were featured on, the “two battle-hardened veterans of (the) U.S. Special Forces – the ‘Green Berets,’ compete against a pair of commandos from Norway’s super-secret FSK,” according to IMDB. “And both teams compete against a ‘Rogue’ wild card team comprised of two military contractors.”

According to various reports, Livelsberger was a highly decorated master sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star, including one signifying valor under fire.

Livelsberger reportedly confided to a former girlfriend — who had served as an Army nurse — that he faced significant pain and exhaustion that she says were key symptoms of traumatic brain injury.

During Kennedy’s MMA career, he racked up a record of 18-6 while fighting in the welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He retired from the sport in 2016 after a loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 206 in Toronto.

Article content