Kenny is the only UFC fighter to compete in 4 Divisions (Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight and Middleweight). His story is one of constantly overcoming the odds by dedicating himself to training harder and smarter than his opponents.
Growing up, Kenny excelled in many sports including; tennis and martial arts. At one point, soccer became so important to him that he put his martial arts studies aside in order to practice and play soccer year round. This dedication helped Kenny become a star midfielder in high school and he was recruited for the Olympic Development program in Massachusetts. Later, he went on to play Division 1 soccer at Boston College. Here he was successful both on and off the soccer field; earning Big-East Academic All-Star status, and becoming a Dean’s list student.
After he graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Kenny focused on jiu-jitsu training under Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Roberto Maia, at BJJ/Gracie Barra in Watertown, MA.
In early 2002, Kenny decided he was ready for yet another challenge. He wanted to test his BJJ skills in the Mixed Martial Arts arena. In his first fight, he took on Nuri Shakir earning a tapout win.
Kenny participated and was runner-up of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 losing to Diego Sanchez. Although he lost, Kenny felt the experience helped him better understand how to deal with the intense spotlight he was now under as one of the UFC’s most popular fighters. He currently holds a 16-6-0 record and trains three times a day, six days a week, in all aspects of fighting.
Kenny’s MMA work can also be found outside of the octagon as a former commentator for UFC 83, the Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale, WEC 41 & 49, Versus’ Fight Night 3, and now UFC Tonight.
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