Donald Cerrone has caused huge controversy online by claiming that he used to enjoy watching Tim Kennedy beat up ‘Russian-Muslim’ fighters in the gym.
‘Cowboy’ recently released a video on YouTube in which he discussed the alleged sparring sessions that are said to have taken place at JacksonWink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Tim Kennedy served in the US Special Forces
Tim Kennedy is one of the most well-respected competitors in combat sports, with a commendable history in the military.
The sportsman rose to the level of master sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star medal by the American government.
While many UFC fighters have some degree of a military background, Kennedy’s is undeniably the most distinguished.
Nasty: ‘My face is fractured’… 15-6 UFC middleweight reveals ghastly injury following viral knockout loss
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the American public got behind him during his MMA career, cheering the athlete on during his trademark victories over Michael Bisping, Robbie Lawler and Melvin Manhoef.
Since his retirement from the sport in 2016, the veteran has maintained his place in the public eye, securing presenting roles on both The Discovery Channel and The History Channel, as well as boasting credentials as a stuntman. He even returned to the special forces the year after he hung up the gloves.
However, the 44-year-old is now receiving backlash due to a story told by his friend and former teammate Donald Cerrone.
Donald Cerrone says he used to love watching Tim Kennedy beat up Russian-Muslim fighters
In an effort to tell a story he believed would go down well, ‘Cowboy’ uploaded a video to YouTube in which he discussed his enjoyment at watching Kennedy ‘annihilate’ Russian-Muslim fighters.
The athlete said: “My favorite thing about Tim Kennedy is he’s as American as apple pie. So, we’re at Jackson’s, and if any of the Russian Muslim fighters would come in, old Timmy would take it upon himself to just take down, smother and absolutely destroy these dudes.
“I’d be sitting there going, ‘Get them Tim’. He would annihilate them and I’d love it. He would smile and laugh and rub their face in the mat. He’d do malicious sh*t. I’d be like, ‘F**k yeh, Tim, that’s what I’m talking about’. He’d come back and be like, ‘I hate them’. I’d say, ‘Me too. I hate them but there’s nothing I can do, I’m 155 pounds, that dude is 200 pounds, and you’ve just destroyed him’.”
It is unclear whether there is any truth in these claims. However, many in the industry have back at his comments which they have deemed discriminatory, and it is believed that he has put himself in a bad light.
Chisanga Malata, a journalist from The Sun, tweeted: “Another one for the list of reasons why Donald Cerrone isn’t the guy he’s painted out to be.” In addition, Oktagon MMA star and Paddy Pimblett’s Next Generation MMA training partner, Shem Rock, added that they are a: “Gang of n*b heads.”
The video is likely to cause further issues for both men. Tim Kennedy is yet to comment on the story himself.
Oh no: ‘Miserable fail’… Chael Sonnen explains his biggest fear heading into fight against Anderson Silva