If you didn’t watch UFC: Fight for the Troops 2, you missed an amazing event. Say what you want about the UFC, I know some people don’t like it or disapprove, but here is something they absolutely got right.
They bring in thousands of Army troops at Ft. Hood, Tx, the largest military installation in the United States, and put on an incredible show for them. Great fights, Pat Berry (who after winning gave an emotional talk about his father and what it meant to fight in front of the troops) and Joey Beltran went toe to toe in an incredible bout. Melvin Guillard surprises favorite Evan Dunham, Matt Mitrione wins, it was a blast from start to finish. But here’s the real kicker, the UFC in turn raises money for veterans who are disabled from the current conflicts.
This isn’t about getting into the validity of our actions in the Middle East, but a way to say it was an incredible job by the UFC to raise money for troops with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I’m sure millions were raised on Saturday ($4 million two years ago) which will go for research to help treat and prevent further TBI cases. Thank you to the UFC for what you have done.
But that begs the question, what do other sports do, and what if they gave one event per year to support Veterans? How much money could they raise, how many lives could be saved? Obviously it isn’t their responsibility to do such a thing, it isn’t the UFC’s job to raise money for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, but they did, and they did it in a classy, enjoyable, entertaining way. This should only be the beginning. Surely more can be done, future fight cards, sporting events, etc. can be given to help support those who give so much for us and the American way of life. Thank you Dana White, and thank you to the UFC for what you have done and are doing.
Gary Smith
Vote on the side polls and check out Episode 5 of the podcast to hear about this event
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