The recently concluded UFC 301 event in Brazil gathered a lot of attention from the fans. Some of the best fighters from Brazil featured in the event and displayed their skills on the night. However, amidst all the roaring and cheering, the country is going through a tough time at the moment. Heavy rainfall has left the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul completely flooded, leading to loss of life and property.
According to the reports, 85 people have lost their lives, and more than 130 people are still missing at the moment. The rescue operation team is working incredibly hard to help the people who are stuck in the flood. During such a horrid time, Brazil’s very own light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, has offered a helping hand to his own people. Pereira is currently one of the biggest superstars in the UFC and hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
In response to the floods in southern Brazil, Alex Pereira has donated $100,000 and plans to contribute an extra $20,000 towards the cause 👏🙏
"Many people from the south are in need there, because of the rain and floods… Recently, I made a donation out of my own pocket, no… pic.twitter.com/MxsGsEjjRH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 8, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A recent X post by ‘Championship Rounds’ shared the exact details of the contributions made by ‘Poatan’. The post read, “Many people from the south are in need there, because of the rain and floods… Recently, I made a donation out of my own pocket, no one helped me with anything. Apart from the other donations I made, I donated $100,000 of food to people in need here in Brazil. Now I’m also going to donate another $20,000 to the south, for this tragedy that happened… I do what I can.”
The online fans took notice of this noble gesture and took to social media to share their responses. However, the fans also urged UFC CEO Dana White to come forward and help the people of Brazil. Let us take a look as to how the fans reacted after the 36-year-old’s latest donations.
Alex Pereira’s cry for help falling on deaf ears?
Alex Pereira has always been proud to represent his people and was doing the same when he asked for help for the people of Rio Grande. Some fans promptly stepped up, paid the champion his props, and called for the UFC to offer a helping hand. Some others used the opportunity to edge on some of the active rivalries Pereira has in the UFC.
Jamahal Hill and Alex Pereira fought each other at UFC 300 for the light heavyweight title. Before the fight, many felt Hill would dethrone the champion. However, it now seems one of Hill’s fans is regretting his choice seeing the benevolence of the champion.
Why did I root for hill over this man
— • 𝕁𝕒𝕪 💎 (25🏆👑) (@Diamond_Jay_) May 8, 2024
The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and ‘Poatan’ is one of the most fearsome rivalries in the UFC. Adesanya defeated Pereira to win back his middleweight title, and it seems his fans are still not over with the rivalry. One of the fans pointed out his donation, joking that Pereira was making charity a competition too.
He heard Izzy gave $50k to Africa aid. Had to top him as usual 🔥
— Maxximillian 👑⚔️ (@Maxximillian66) May 8, 2024
As usual, the Brazilian did have his share of critics and one user was not quite impressed with the donation made by him.
Just 120k? We need a champ with better morals. If Dagestan was flooded Magomed Ankalaev would have donated 1 million.
— MMABoxingCasual (@MMABoxFanatic) May 8, 2024
One user issued a special message for UFC CEO Dana White and urged him to come forward and help the people of Brazil. Last year, when the Hawaii wildfires laid waste to the community, the UFC stepped up big time and donated a million dollars to the people of Maui. Perhaps White could lend a hand to one of their annual host countries too.
.@danawhite @UFCNews Maybe let's step up to support the champ and the people of Brazil 🇧🇷
— Arthur (@ArthurBaitson) May 8, 2024
Anthony Smith and Alex Pereira recently have been involved in a bit of a social media war after Smith termed the champion one-dimensional in his fighting style and now one of ‘Lionheart’s’ fans took this opportunity to mock the champion.
Anthony Smith would’ve donated 160k 🦁♥️
— Anthony LionHeart Smith 🦁♥️ (Parody Account) (@_LionHeartMMA) May 8, 2024
One user also tried to catch the attention of Dana White and urged him to come out and help Pereira in order to help the people of Brazil.
Money is important, but he’s also bringing awareness. maybe Dana or the owners of ufc can match him? Support a double champion/ his home country. They don’t have to, but it would be a good look. Same with any fighter who learns off him. (Don’t gotta match)
— Elias (@wuzguchi714) May 8, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Talking about rivalries, one user took this opportunity to reignite the battle between former champion Jiri Prochazka, who Pereira defeated, to win the vacant light heavyweight title, and mentioned the amount Prochazka would have donated.
Jiri would’ve donated 121k 🥸
— Frank (@Frank_MC_) May 8, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The country of Brazil is definitely struggling at the moment and hopefully, more people hear ‘Poatan’s plea and step forward to help. But what do you make of these responses from the fans? Do you feel the UFC should come forward and help the people in Brazil? Let us know in the comments below.