Former Honesdale wrestling standout Aaron Kennedy posts second professional MMA win

BETHLEHEM — Aaron Kennedy has wanted to be a mixed martial arts star ever since he closed out a stellar wrestling career at Honesdale High School.

Following a successful stint on the amateur circuit, Kennedy suffered a heartbreaking loss in his professional debut. It was a crucial moment in his evolution as a fighter, one that provided motivation to take his game to the next level.

Kennedy dug deep and redoubled his efforts, training harder than he ever had before. And the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

On Saturday night, Kennedy strode into the cage as part of Maverick MMA’s full card of amateur and professional fights. Less than two minutes later, he was celebrating his latest triumph, a stunning, bone-jarring victory over Justice Harris.

“I’m ecstatic!” Aaron exclaimed. “A TKO like that really sends a message. I’m not here to play games. After the first knee to his face, I started to see blood dripping and I knew it wasn’t going to last long.”

With this first round knockout, Kennedy improved his pro record to 2-2. Next up is a well-earned vacation, then back to the grind.

“I’m just going to try and relax a bit,” Aaron said. “Then, I’ll start training and probably fight again in December.”

Dominance in the cage

Saturday’s card was organized as part of Maverick MMA 23. It took place at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.

Kennedy had been training intensely for this latest fight at his home gym, Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy, on the heels of his previous victory.

Back in November, Kennedy powered his way to a unanimous decision at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg. That win set the stage for his latest encounter, which presented a unique challenge.

Kennedy squared off with Justice Harris, a grizzled fighter from New Jersey. The 34-year-old who trains at Animals MMA in Yonkers (NY) was making his professional debut. Harris came into Saturday’s action with 14 amateur bouts under his belt.

Despite a relatively light resume, Kennedy was wary of his opponent.

“His record may not be that great on paper, but I knew he was a tough guy,” Aaron said. “Justice is a fighter’s fighter who doesn’t duck anybody Those kind of guys are dangerous. I knew if I didn’t put heavy pressure on him, he’d be throwing bombs.”

And that’s exactly why Kennedy went on the offensive as soon as the opening bell rang. Much to the delight of the big crowd, he charged right across the canvas and opened fire.

Harris never knew what hit him.

“My strategy was to come out with guns blazing and use my pressure to knock him back on his heels,” Aaron said.

“I threw a flying teep kick at his face and then took him down. He managed to get back up, but then I started hitting him with heavy knees to the face.

To his credit, Harris survived Kennedy’s opening barrage. Dazed and bleeding, he managed to break free for a moment … but only for a moment.

“He was bleeding pretty heavily,” Aaron said. “He attempted a takedown that I countered. Then, I took his back and just threw heavy punches to his temples.”

The official allowed the beating to continue for only about 20 seconds before wisely stepping in and stopping the bout. Kennedy had himself a first round TKO in only one minutes and 19 seconds.

Kennedy’s fans, many of whom had traveled to Bethlehem all the way from Wayne County, exploded in pandemonium as he celebrated in the cage.

“I had my biggest crowd to date so that was awesome,” Aaron said. “Their support just keeps on growing and that means the world to me.”

One step closer

Aaron is the son of Paul Kennedy and Donna Schiavo. He’s a 2012 HHS graduate who amassed 92 wins on the varsity wrestling mat.

After graduation, Kennedy went on to study at Bloomsburg University where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2018. He’s always been crystal about his ultimate career goal, which is to one day wrestle professionally in the UFC ranks.

Toward that end, Kennedy continues to train at the Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy where he focuses on being as well-rounded a fighter as possible.

“As I said in the post fight interview, I will make it to the UFC and then climb the ladder within that organization,” Aaron said. “It’s just a matter of time and perseverance. I can definitely see the pieces coming together for me.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Aaron Kennedy thrills local MMA fans with huge win at Bethlehem