Honesdale grad Aaron Kennedy is a rising star in MMA
BLOOMSBURG — Former Honesdale High School wrestling standout Aaron Kennedy has announced that he’s currently hard at work training for his next Mixed Martial Arts encounter.
The fight will be featured as part of the Maverick MMA card, scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem.
“I’m just now hitting my stride,” Aaron said. “I’m young and professional fighting is a long game. It doesn’t happen overnight like you see in the movies. But I’ll get there. I’m patient and relentless. My time will come.”
In the cage
Aaron is the son of Paul Kennedy and Donna Schiavo. He’s a 2012 HHS graduate who piled up 92 wins during his varsity wrestling career.
Kennedy continued his education at Bloomsburg University, where he eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2018. He trains at the Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy which became the launchpad for his MMA adventure.
After grinding out eight wins as an amateur, Kennedy notched his first professional victory back in November, an electrifying unanimous decision before a big raucous crowd at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg.
It was a wildly emotional experience, one comprised of equal parts triumph and vindication … and ultimately one that crystallized Kennedy’s plans for the future.
“After this fight, I need to pick up one more win and then I’ll be fighting for a title,” Aaron said. “I’ll need to defend that a few times and maybe pick up a couple wins elsewhere before I can take the next step.“
That next step would be earning a place in the UFC, which has always been the goal.
“I have to be persistent and patient,” Aaron said. “But I’ll keep working hard to sharpen my skills and keep plugging away. This is my passion and my purpose.”
Next on the agenda
Kennedy took some time to enjoy his first pro win, but it wasn’t long before he became laser-focused on his next assignment.
On June 10, he’ll step into the cage for a highly-anticipated fight with Rick Pabon. “El Taino,” as his opponent is known, is a grizzled 31-year-old veteran who fights out of Vamos MMA in Holbrook (NY).
This will be a bantamweight contest with both fighters weighing in at around 135 pounds. Pabon boasts an extensive amateur resume, but this will be just his third bout as a professional.
Kennedy and his team have already done extensive research on their opponent and a game plan is quickly taking shape.
“He’s a southpaw with a lot of experience and some pretty slick boxing,” Aaron said. He comes from a tough gym with a lot of active fighters.
“Without revealing too many details, I’m looking to strike first and strike fast. I’ll keep attacking from bell to bell. I won’t slow down.”
Kennedy’s strength and confidence have steadily grown since his first amateur bout back in 2014. He has absolutely no doubt about how this fight will end.
“I demoralize my opponents and break their will with my pressure,” Aaron said. “He may break in the first or he may break in third. But it’s going to happen, and when it does, I’m going to finish him off.”
Reaching out
In addition to competing on the mat at Honesdale, Kennedy also spent many hours training with the NEPA Vipers.
Organized by longtime Hornet coaches Ryan Chulada and Joe Arnone, the club provides instruction in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
On Tuesday, May 2, Kennedy will return home to act as a guest instructor.
“I grew up training at the club, so I’m excited to give back to the kids and community,” Aaron said. “In addition to teaching, I’ll also be there to meet and mingle. So, if anyone wants to stop in and say hi, I’ll be available.”
Kennedy is also hoping to generate interest in his blossoming MMA career. He’s currently looking for sponsors and fans who might like to buy a ticket to cheer him on June 10 in Bethlehem.
Anyone interested can obtain information in person or via email (amkmma135@gmail.com). Kennedy also has a robust presence on social media at Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale's Aaron Kennedy has his sights set on another MMA victory
