Retired MMA Fighter Speaks Out About Connection with Alleged Vegas Cybertruck Bomber [WATCH]

Retired Green Beret and former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy has spoken out about his connection to Matthew Livelsberger, the man allegedly responsible for the New Year’s Day explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Livelsberger, who detonated a Cybertruck loaded with incendiary devices and took his own life, had previously teamed up with Kennedy on a 2013 episode of the History Channel’s Ultimate Soldier Challenge.

Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries in the explosion, but there were no other fatalities.

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Kennedy and Livelsberger, who competed under the nickname “Matt Burg,” were paired together on the third episode of Ultimate Soldier Challenge, which aired on March 4, 2013.

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) Last night when I saw old photos of him on the news, I put together that it was the same guy. pic.twitter.com/wVC3E4viTm

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) January 4, 2025

The episode featured a simulated operation based on SEAL Team Six’s raid on Osama Bin Laden.

The duo competed against a team of Norwegian special forces members and a group of military contractors, ultimately winning the competition by placing first in every challenge.

Reflecting on the news of Livelsberger’s actions, Kennedy shared his recollections in a series of posts on social media.

He was a sincere, hard-working, talented, and competent Special Forces operator. I am flabbergasted and heartbroken to hear the news. None of this makes sense and I like many others are confused and want answers.

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) January 4, 2025

Initially, he expressed shock upon realizing that he had once worked closely with Livelsberger, but he later clarified that the man he knew during the competition was not the same person who committed the tragic act.

Las Vegas Cybertruck blast suspect Matthew Livelsberger took part in a military TV reality competition on the History Channel. pic.twitter.com/StCIyv9JN2

— Inside Edition (@InsideEdition) January 3, 2025

The incident, which authorities have classified as a “suicide, vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device” (Suicide-VBED), has raised questions about Livelsberger’s motive.

Investigators recovered his phone from the explosion site and were able to extract data despite significant damage.

Among the recovered files were two notes in the phone’s application, offering insight into Livelsberger’s mindset.

One letter, addressed to “Fellow service members, veterans, and all Americans,” criticized the country’s leadership, stating, “We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves.”

Another letter described the U.S. as “terminally ill and headed toward collapse,” adding that his act was intended as a wake-up call rather than a terrorist attack.

Tim Kennedy ex-Green Beret who knew Vegas explosion suspect says his alleged action does not make sense pic.twitter.com/rCdx6HD18N

— Karli Bonne’ (@KarluskaP) January 4, 2025

The note read: “Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives? Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.”

Authorities claim that Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office reported that the injury was intra-orbital, with the gun discharged inside his mouth and the round exiting through the left side of his head.

Officials have stated there is no evidence connecting Livelsberger’s actions to any terrorist organization or the unrelated Bourbon Street massacre, which occurred on the same day.

Instead, they have described him as a troubled individual grappling with personal demons.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about how someone with Livelsberger’s background and skills reached this point.

His letters and actions suggest a deep sense of frustration and despair, but his intent to avoid mass casualties has offered some relief to those impacted by the explosion.

For Tim Kennedy, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health issues among veterans.

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