LAS VEGAS – In the 115-degree heat of Las Vegas, the snow cone truck parked on Fremont Street probably looked like a mirage. But for 100 at-risk kids from Boys Town Nevada, it was more of an oasis, as the UFC teamed up with online shoe retailer Zappos to hold a community event as part of the fight promotion’s “Fight Week.” The icy treats were a big hit, of course, but every kid also got a new pair of shoes. Among others, Zappos has teamed up with the West Coast Basketball Conference to give shoes to needy kids . The UFC also gave out free merchandise at the event. “It’s a great message about the community giving back, Boys Town Nevada rep Howard Olshansky told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). Founded in 1917, Boys Town is a not-for-profit organization that cares for children with emotional and physical problems and advocates for change in the current child care system. UFC fighters Phil Davis , Luke Rockhold , Forrest Griffin , Benson Henderson , Carlos Condit , Urijah Faber , Joseph Benavidez and Daniel Cormier attended the event and put kids through a mini-workout. Afterward, they answered questions, took pictures and signed autographs. UFC co-COO Lawrence Epstein said the promotion has worked with Boys Town almost since parent company Zuffa took control of the company in 2001. He declined to put a number on the money contributed to the charitable organization, but said Zuffa has donated 10s of millions of dollars to good causes over the years. “It’s important to write checks, but it’s also great to give kids an experience that they’re going to remember forever,” he said. “I was really proud of our guys. There’s so much controversy right now about the moral fabric of athletes, and our guys are awesome. Everybody makes mistakes, but we’re proud of our fighters, and frankly, they’re our best representatives.” On why contributing to organizations like Boys Town is an important part of Zuffa’s business, Epstein, said, “This is what real institutions do
BAD MMA Trending Cloud
UFC • Bellator • news • Conor Mcgregor • PFL • Jon Jones • Daniel Cormier • videos • Dustin Poirier • Khabib Nurmagomedov • Dana White • Francis Ngannou • Jorge Masvidal • Nate Diaz • featured • WSOF • Anderson Silva • Max Holloway • Ronda Rousey • Amanda Nunes • Donald Cerrone • Michael Bisping • Michael Chandler • Tony Ferguson • Kamaru Usman • Alex Pereira • Alexander Volkanovski • Demetrious Johnson • jake paul • islam makhachev • Charles Oliveira • Henry Cejudo • Jose Aldo • Aljamain Sterling • One Championship • Derrick Lewis • sean o'malley • Stipe Miocic • Tyron Woodley • Georges St Pierre
- MMA News (112306)
- What time is Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano? Walkouts for UFC 311 main event
- UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano watch-along live stream with MMA Junkie Radio (8 p.m. ET)
- UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano watch-along live stream with MMA Junkie Radio (8 p.m. ET)
- UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano preview show live stream with Farah Hannoun (5 p.m. ET)
- UFC 311 Ceremonial Weigh-in Video
- Darren Till addresses cheating allegations ahead of boxing return
- Video replay: UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-ins
- Alex Pereira’s sister Aline, UFC veteran Robelis Despaigne, more notables booked for Karate Combat 52
- Photos: UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-ins and final faceoffs
- UFC 311 official weigh-in video highlights, photo gallery