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Alex Pereira wins the 2026 UFC Community Award for inspiring charity work Alex Pereira wins the 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award for influential charity work

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3 months ago

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Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS — Ultimate Fighting Championship star Alex Pereira has been named 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award Winnerin recognition of his growing influence outside the Octagon through charity work and youth development initiatives.

The award, named in honor of UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, honors a fighter who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community service and makes a significant impact on people’s lives.

Dana White selects Pereira for the prestigious UFC Honors award

The Forrest Griffin Community Award is part of the annual UFC Honors program and is part of the President’s Choice category, hand-selected by UFC President and CEO Dana White.

“Alex is one of the biggest stars in the world and it’s great to see him using his platform to give back,” White said. “Helping the youth of Brazil through education and martial arts is making a real difference.”

As part of this honor, Pereira will receive an award named after Donation of $25,000 to the charity of your choice, courtesy of the UFC Foundation.

Instituto Poatan is changing lives in Brazil

At the center of Pereira’s efforts is the Instituto Poatan, a nonprofit organization he founded in 2024 after renovating a facility in São Paulo, Brazil.

The organization focuses on empowering disadvantaged youth through:

  • Free after-school tutoring
  • English language education
  • Computer programs
  • Nutritional support
  • Brazilian jiu-jitsu training

Since its launch, over 500 teenage people have joined the program and plan further development in 2026.

Pereira’s mission is to exploit sports as a pathway to opportunity – helping children build discipline, self-confidence and a brighter future.

Global coverage outside Brazil

In addition to working from home, Pereira has expanded his reach around the world.

Former two-division UFC regular champion:

  • He visits children’s hospitals
  • He conducts jiu-jitsu seminars
  • Participates in youth mentoring programs

These efforts are often undertaken in partnership with UFC initiatives that aim to support disadvantaged communities.

Custom UFC gloves supporting charity

As part of the recognition, Pereira will collaborate with celebrated artists Kai the ant create single pair of UFC gloves as part of a promotion Gloves for good program.

The gloves will be auctioned and the proceeds will be donated Poatan Institutecontinue to support its programs and expansion.

Honored during UFC International Fight Week

Pereira will be officially recognized during 2026 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonywhich takes place during the UFC’s 14th annual International Fight Week.

The ceremony is scheduled for July 9 at T-Mobile Arena.

From champion to community leader

Known for his dominance in the cage, Pereira has built an elite resume in both MMA and kickboxing.

  • MMA record: 13-3 (10-2 UFC)
  • Former UFC middleweight and delicate heavyweight champion
  • Former GLORY kickboxing champion (middleweight and delicate heavyweight)

But in 2026, it’s his work outside the cage this is gaining recognition around the world, cementing his legacy not only as a champion, but also as a role model.

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MMA

Israel Adesanya reveals he’s split with longtime head coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing: ‘A long time coming’

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July 9, 2026

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Israel Adesanya reveals he’s split with longtime head coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing: ‘A long time coming’

When Israel Adesanya makes his return to action, he'll have a new head coach in his corner for the first time in his UFC career.

On Thursday, the former UFC middleweight champion announced that he's split with longtime coach Eugene Bareman and he's no longer training out of the City Kickboxing gym based in New Zealand. Adesanya has trained there since 2009 before relocating full time to the area in 2010 to call City Kickboxing his home.

“I spoke to Eugene face-to-face and I told him I am not coming back to CKB,†Adesanya posted on Instagram. “This was something a long time coming behind the scenes. We have an understanding. I won't lie, it sucks. Not anymore. Grief comes in waves for me, for most people. It comes in waves. I've had great days but I've also had days where [this sucks].

“It's a long time coming. I want just want to get it out of the way because I want you to hear it from the horse's mouth. No one else has spoken about it. Those who know are waiting for the ball to drop. I dropped the ball.â€

Adesanya didn't deal what exactly led to the split, although he seemed to reference a pattern of his training and preparation that needed to change before he booked his next fight.

The 36-year-old veteran has suffered through the toughest run of his career with four losses in a row including a second-round TKO in his most recent outing against Joe Pyfer back in March.

“It's bittersweet,†Adesanya said. “But it's the right thing for me, especially where I'm at in my career. It's exactly what I needed.

“Insanity is doing the same shit and expecting a different result. I think that's it. I just don't want to talk about it. It's something, it sucks, I want to grieve in peace.â€

While he's no longer working with the coaches or fighters at City Kickboxing, Adesanya paid homage to his now former team for building him into the champion he became in the UFC.

Between his debut in 2018 and losing his title to Sean Strickland in 2023, Adesanya went on a remarkable run as a five-time defending middleweight champion. He dropped the belt to longtime rival Alex Pereira in in 2022 but then avenged that loss with a stunning knockout over the Brazilian in 2023.

“CKB made me into the fighter that I am today,†Adesanya said. “They've trained a lot of great fighters, Greats. Even better than myself. Me as an individual, CKB made me into the fighter that I am today.

“But also, I was one of the main pillars that put CKB on the map on the world stage. To take it to the next level where people from all over the world want to come train at CKB. I'm proud of that.â€

Adesanya didn't indicate where he might train next or who could be put in charge of future fight camps but it appears he plans on running a more focused program where he's receiving the bulk of the attention as he gets ready to compete again.

“What I need for myself is focused, individual training,†Adesanya said. “I've made the decision to leave CKB for my own reasons. I'll leave it at that.â€

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Robert Whittaker extends MMA career thanks to light heavyweight move: "It is honestly life-changing"

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8 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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Robert Whittaker extends MMA career thanks to light heavyweight move: "It is honestly life-changing"

Robert Whittaker already feels his career has been extended before making his 205-pound debut.

Whittaker is scheduled to enter a light heavyweight bout for the first time on Saturday. The former UFC Middleweight Champion will meet Nikita Krylov in the featured preliminary bout of the UFC 329 card in Las Vegas. This will be Whittaker's first bout since his quick submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev back in 2024.

Now that he is done with the 185-pound weight class, Whittaker feels there is new life in his run as a prizefighter. “The Reaper†discussed how crucial making the jump to light heavyweight was during UFC 329 media day (via MMAFighting).

“The middleweight Rob Whittaker chapter has closed,†Whittaker said. “I'm very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life-changing. I recommend it to anybody. … I still do have to cut weight, it's just not as brutal. It's not as bad.

“I was able to fuel myself much more during the camp. Recovery was much higher. My moods were better. Everything was just better for it.â€

Whittaker wanted to make it clear that despite feeling his fighting career has been extended, he won't go beyond a certain point.

“Let's be honest, I don't want to be fighting for another five years by any means, I've got other things I want to do,†Whittaker said. “I want to play Masters soccer, things like that. But I definitely have a few more in me now because the way I was feeling after the last couple of fights, the camps, how drained I was for them, how much of a grind it was, dragging my feet to get to everything. Comparatively, I definitely have a new love and lease on the game.â€

BJPenn.com's own Cole Shelton recently spoke to Whittaker, who praised Krylov as a worthy opponent for his light heavyweight debut. Whittaker said he's aware of how dangerous Krylov can be, but he feels he can capitalize on openings to secure the win on Saturday.

How do you see Robert Whittaker's light heavyweight debut playing out on Saturday? Sound off in the comments below.

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Max Holloway explains why he hopes Conor McGregor is competitive in return fight: "Make him think he can do it one more time"

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9 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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Max Holloway explains why he hopes Conor McGregor is competitive in return fight: "Make him think he can do it one more time"

Max Holloway would rather have a competitive clash with Conor McGregor than a one-sided victory.

Holloway will get his chance at revenge when he meets the former two-division UFC champion on Saturday. “Blessed†fell short against McGregor all the way back in 2013, and the two will collide again in the UFC 329 headliner. Holloway is the betting favorite going into his welterweight debut, but some feel McGregor's punching power and experience at 170 pounds must be taken into account.

Speaking to reporters during UFC 329 media day, Holloway initially said his goal was to give McGregor a beatdown. He has changed his mind in hopes of securing a trilogy fight (via MMAFighting).

“I'm going in there and put paws on him,†Holloway said. “I'm going to make him wish that he didn't come back—actually no, I'm not going to make him wish that. I'm going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year.â€

Holloway understands the magnitude of sharing the Octagon with McGregor, as well as how rare a moment like this is in MMA. His main focus is to finally have a win over his old rival.

“It's huge,†Holloway said. “Who would have thought Conor was even coming back after what happened with the injury and with him and his other injury at a fight that he had, so it's just big. I finally get to right a wrong and I'm looking forward to it.â€

It would do Holloway wonders if he can have a stellar showing given that his last outing ended with a whimper. “Blessed†was defeated by Charles Oliveira in a BMF Championship fight that saw him get outgrappled for five rounds. If Holloway can get back on track against McGregor, it would help alleviate the sting of that disappointing outing.

How competitive do you expect Conor McGregor to be against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday? Leave a comment below.

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