In episode 3 of Shadowboxing: True Crime in Combat Sports, I address how a former UFC fighter and former Green Beret found himself at the center of a stolen‑valor scandal. I'll explain where the claims stem from, what could happen if Kennedy is found guilty, and why this is such a big deal to the MMA and military communities. 

SOURCES: 

SOURCES: 

https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/article/ufc-vet-tim-kennedy-reportedly-under-investigation-after-admitting-to-lying-about-military-service-record-181117808.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Kennedy_(fighter)

https://x.com/TimKennedyMMA/status/1942787440722248111

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/07/10/tim-kennedy-green-beret-and-army-hype-man-under-investigation-lying-about-combat-valor.html

https://americanwarriorshow.libsyn.com/tim-kennedy-special-operations-warriorprofessional-fighter

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEgl2Ljx44i/

In this episode of Shadowboxing: True Crime in Combat Sports, we explore the tragic story of Mylik Birdsong — a promising young boxer whose dreams were derailed by a deadly act of violence. What led to the fatal shooting outside of his mother's Los Angeles home? And will his killers ever be brought to justice?

We also bring you the latest developments in the ongoing legal saga of former UFC champion Jon Jones. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/7/10/24465374/jon-jones-hit-new-charge-duplicate-charge-related-car-accident-in-february-attorney-files-to-dismiss

https://people.com/welterweight-boxing-champion-mylik-birdsong-dies-los-angeles-drive-by-shooting-8720799

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/shooting-leaves-pro-boxer-dead-in-south-los-angeles/

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/275214546/mylik-birdsong

In the premiere episode of Shadowboxing: True Crime in Combat Sports, we dive into the chaotic, controversial, and captivating life of former UFC champion Jon "Bones" Jones. Once hailed as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Jones' meteoric rise was shadowed by a string of legal troubles, failed drug tests, and personal demons that nearly derailed his life.

From hit-and-run incidents and DUI arrests to doping scandals and ducking accusations, this episode unpacks the timeline of Jones' out-of-the-cage controversies—and asks the question: Can we still call Jon Jones the GOAT?

SOURCES: 

https://www.tmz.com/2012/05/19/jon-jones-ufc-arrested-dui/

https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/12129597/ufc-light-heavyweight-champion-jon-jones-enters-drug-treatment-facility

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2321386-jon-jones-enters-drug-treatment-facility-following-positive-test

https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/12775177/ufc-champion-jon-jones-facing-felony-charge-alleged-hit-run

https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2015/10/23/ufc-reinstates-ex-champ-jon-jones/82379024007/

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/ufc/jon-jones-settles-court-case-over-drag-racing-charges

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/23/sport/ufc-jon-jones-assault-charges

https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28958316/ufc-jon-jones-arrested-alleged-dwi-negligent-use-firearm

https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/32299727/ufc-star-jon-jones-was-emotional-roller-coaster-domestic-violence-related-arrest

https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/jon-jones-felony-arrest-details-daughter-asked-for-police-to-be-called-after-jones-allegedly-assaulted-fiance

https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-champion-jon-jones-charged-with-two-misdemeanors-related-to-incident-with-drug-testing-agent/

https://www.abqjournal.com/sports/article_2bd78914-e533-4711-b153-0169eb9a3500.html

https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/breaking-news/article/jon-jones-facing-new-criminal-charge-over-fleeing-scene-of-car-crash-as-he-announces-retirement-023934848.html