Tim Kennedy, the former UFC star turned public figure, has never been shy about sharing his opinions. However, an old clip from The Fighter and the Kid recently resurfaced, bringing renewed attention to some questionable claims he made about procreation. The clip found its way into the crosshairs of “Professor Neil,” a Canadian college professor who has made a name for himself debunking Manosphere talking points.
The 1960s Theory Resurfaces
In the clip, Kennedy enthusiastically endorses the long-debunked Shettles Method, a 1960s theory that claimed certain behaviors could influence the likelihood of conceiving a male or female child. According to the theory, Y-chromosome sperm (which produce male offspring) are supposedly heavier, slower, and less resilient than X-chromosome sperm (which produce female offspring). The idea was that strategic timing and dietary choices could increase the odds of having a boy or girl.
Kennedy, seemingly convinced of his own success with this method, joked about holding his wife by the ankles post-intercourse to “help” ensure conception of a son. While his storytelling may have been in jest, the broader implication that his actions had any real effect was what Professor Neil took issue with.
Professor Neil’s Breakdown
Professor Neil wasted no time dismantling Kennedy’s claims, pointing out that there is no scientific consensus supporting the Shettles Method. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine, among other institutions, has found little to no evidence that any of these behaviors have any real impact on the sex of a child.
“What he’s describing here is something called the Shettles method, which was created back in the 1960s… Of course, there is no evidence that that is true or that any of those behaviors work. And not for lack of trying. This has been studied extensively over the past 60 years.”
The humor in Kennedy’s anecdote didn’t go unnoticed, but Neil found it particularly bizarre that someone would brag about influencing their child’s sex when, scientifically, it was completely random.
“It is so profoundly weird to brag about getting a boy in the first place. But to brag about getting a boy when it was completely unrelated or unconnected to anything that you yourself did? You can lead some dudes to microphones, but you can’t make them think before they talk.”
The netizens had a field day with this clip.
A Pattern of Debunking
This isn’t the first time Professor Neil has taken aim at prominent voices in the Manosphere. His viral critiques have tackled everything from misconceptions about masculinity to the flawed reasoning behind anti-feminist talking points.
One of his most widely shared takedowns involved the claim that by 2030, nearly half of working women aged 25-45 would be single and childless—an idea framed as a crisis by Manosphere influencers. Neil, however, countered with actual research:
“Paul Dolan has studied this extensively. And on the whole, single childless women are happier, healthier, and live longer than their counterparts.”
He has also dissected the uncomfortable reality behind why some straight men express discomfort around LGBTQ+ individuals, explaining that their fears often stem from their own behaviors toward women.
The Bigger Picture
Kennedy’s comments, while likely meant to be humorous, highlight a recurring theme in certain circles: a reliance on outdated or debunked theories to shape their worldview. Whether it’s misconceptions about gender dynamics, relationships, or even human biology, the willingness to cling to discredited ideas often overshadows actual science.
