Tim Kennedy sent his fellow servicemen away with a smile on Wednesday night, unloading a devastating left hook that floored Rafael Natal midway through the first-round of UFC Fight for the Troops 3's main event. The knockout marked Kennedy's first since 2007, dropped a cool $50,000 bonus into Army veteran's pocket, and capped off an exciting, finish laden night of fights at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Afterward Kennedy leapt atop the cage to shower his fellow soldiers with affection, while the exuberant crowd burst into a rousing "USA!" chant for their countryman. And as always, the mixed martial arts community wasted little time taking to Twitter to weigh in on the extraordinary scene.

Congrats to an American hero @TimKennedyMMA on a huge KO pic.twitter.com/8hrXxX28t4 — isaac vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) November 7, 2013

Not sure but I have a feeling that next to a winning the World Championship, nothing could have matched how tonight felt for @TimKennedyMMA — Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) November 7, 2013

@TimKennedyMMA gets epic win for his brothers & sisters in arms another victory takes zero damage your my hero. — Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 7, 2013

I have a feeling @mmacoachwink is verrry happy tonight! — Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) November 7, 2013

Yeahhhhh @TimKennedyMMA way to get it done son....#USA — anthony lapsley mma (@recipe145) November 7, 2013

I want to thank my opponent @rafaelsaponatal for stepping up on short notice to fight me in the @UFC on my home turf when no one else would. — Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 7, 2013

DAVIS CLIMBS THE RANKINGS

Lead right hooks from southpaw not best way to get inside. Especially when you're the shorter fighter — TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) November 7, 2013

There is so much female action on @ufc tonight it's crazy ! Woot woot !! #wmma ;) makes me giddy !!!!!! — Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) November 7, 2013

@iamgirlrilla will always be a fan of yours!! Thank you for your service to the country...and for your service to the WMMA community! — Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) November 7, 2013

I came up short tonight. I have great respect for Alexis. I will be back. Thank you for your support. — LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) November 7, 2013

36 YEARS OLD IS THE NEW 20

Another great fight. Romero and markes went after it. This has been a sick night of fights — TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) November 7, 2013

I saw Yoel Romero hit a backflip 2 escape a single leg once...in practice. YES,WE TALKIN BOUT PRACTICE. PRACTICE?...PRACTICE. #UFCFightNight — Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) November 7, 2013

FEAR THE RUSSIAN INVASION

@KhabilovMMA Поздравляем!! Я так счастлива, что ты мой товарищ по команде! — Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) November 7, 2013

Good Job @KhabilovMMA tough fight great decision victory — isaac vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) November 7, 2013

Поздравляю брат, Ты Зверь!!!!))🐅 @KhabilovMMA — Adlan Borz Amagov (@adlanamagov) November 7, 2013

My Boy @rustamkhabilov is A BEAST!!!! — Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) November 7, 2013

Where the hell did that kick come from!!!!! — Phillipe Nover (@PhillipeNover) November 7, 2013

Wow what an exciting fight but no way was that a unanimous dec.?! Should have been a draw #neverleaveittotgejudges #UFCFightForTheTroops — Jon Tuck (@JonCruzTuck) November 7, 2013

Solid fight. Both negated each other niceley. Rnd1-2 both real close could go either way. 3rd to khabilov. #entertained — TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) November 7, 2013

This is what I'm talking about unqualified judges in MMA! — Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) November 7, 2013

Sorry to all my friends and fam will get back to drawing broad will tune mistakes up and back on the grind ...... http://t.co/27vNCk9OtA — Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) November 7, 2013

BATTLE OF THE RNC'S

Thanks 2 everyone who supported me! Had a fun fight in front of the troops! I'll be back better and stronger! Thanks everyone and GOD BLESS! — Colton Smith (@ColtonSmithMMA) November 7, 2013

TKO VIA SOMETHING

I'm sorry. Big John one of THE best but that was nonsense. #UFCFightfortheTroops — Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) November 6, 2013

Welp that was really weird — isaac vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) November 6, 2013

Wow that was a weird end to the fight.... — Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) November 6, 2013

@TheJamesKrause hope your man bits are ok buddy — isaac vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) November 7, 2013

For all you guys saying I was faking and it was on the "belt line". I'm a lot of things but a liar isn't one. pic.twitter.com/Q25pHkIu97 — James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) November 7, 2013

I would also like to add that I am a man if integrity. I would never fake an injury to win. — James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) November 7, 2013