MMA Star Tim Kennedy Reacts to Explosion Involving Cybertruck Bomber Matthew Livelsberger on 'History Channel' Reality Show

MMA Star Tim Kennedy Reacts to Explosion

MMA Fighter Tim Kennedy Reacts to Vegas Cybertruck Bomber Matthew Livelsberger’s Explosive End

Tim Kennedy, a former Green Beret and retired MMA fighter, recently shared his shock and heartbreak after learning that his former partner from the Ultimate Soldier Challenge, Matthew Livelsberger, was involved in the deadly explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. Livelsberger, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, made headlines for his tragic actions, which appear to stem from deep personal turmoil and a troubled past.

The two men competed together on the History Channel’s Ultimate Soldier Challenge in 2013, where they successfully completed military-style challenges and won the title of “Ultimate Soldier.” The episode, which simulated the SEAL Team Six raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound, featured Livelsberger under the nickname “Matt Berg.” The pair had never met before filming but formed a strong bond, securing first place in each challenge and finishing as the overall winners.

Kennedy reflected on his time with Livelsberger in a heartfelt Instagram post, recalling how he learned about the explosion from the news and pieced together that it was his former competition partner. Kennedy described Livelsberger as “sincere, hard-working, and talented” and expressed his disbelief at the news. “None of this makes sense,” Kennedy wrote, voicing confusion and sorrow over the tragic turn in Livelsberger’s life.

The Ultimate Soldier Challenge finale saw Livelsberger and Kennedy complete an assault-style mission modeled after the 2011 Bin Laden raid. Livelsberger’s confidence in his skills was evident, as he bragged about his proficiency with weapons, saying, “I’ve yet to run into something that I can’t pick up.” Despite his tough exterior, Livelsberger showed vulnerability in a separate segment, admitting the importance of teamwork and mutual support in military operations.

However, after the competition ended, Livelsberger reportedly suffered from heat exhaustion during filming and required medical attention. His victory speech, which paid tribute to fallen soldiers and those still serving in Afghanistan, underscored his deep respect for the military and his comrades. Yet, this public image stood in stark contrast to the man who would later carry out a violent act in Las Vegas.

On December 26, 2024, following a personal dispute with his wife, Livelsberger rented a Tesla Cybertruck and drove to Las Vegas, where he parked the truck outside the Trump International Hotel. The vehicle, loaded with explosives and fireworks, exploded hours later, killing Livelsberger. A suicide note found on his phone revealed his disillusionment with American leadership and his desire to "cleanse" himself of the trauma from his military service, particularly the loss of comrades and guilt from his deployments.

Livelsberger’s final messages painted a picture of a man in emotional and psychological distress. In one note, he expressed frustration with the state of the country, writing, "We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves." The note also stated that his actions were not a terrorist attack, but rather a “wake-up call” aimed at drawing attention to the state of the nation. Livelsberger’s troubled past included several tours in Afghanistan, and his strong political views, particularly his support for Donald Trump, had shaped his worldview.

Kennedy’s reaction to the news highlights the confusion and sadness that many are feeling as they try to reconcile the man they knew with the tragic events that unfolded. Livelsberger’s life, marked by military service, personal struggles, and a growing sense of disillusionment, raises important questions about the mental health challenges faced by veterans. Kennedy’s public comments reflect a broader sense of mourning for a man who, despite his heroic image on television, ultimately fell into a downward spiral that led to an explosive and tragic end.