“UFC Fighter Hailed as a Hero for Rescuing Stranded Animals from Floods: ‘Unprecedented Acts of Courage
Fresh off his outstanding, if not slightly controversial, finish of Ihor Potieria on the main card of UFC 301, top middleweight contender Michel Pereira is giving MMA fans from around the world a glimpse into the vitally important work he’s doing on the “front line” of the intense flooding in Brazil.
Southern Brazil left devastated by Rio Grande do Sul floods
The flooding in southern regions of Brazil has devastated local communities and taken the homes of countless families; with the BBC reporting that over 1.4 million people have been impacted, and Reuters citing that over 143 people have tragically lost their lives.
No matter where you are in the world, the single most important thing is that you can help support the people of Brazil by donating to one of many charitable organizations and philanthropic missions; including Vakinha Brazil, the UNHCR, and via the SOS Rio Grande do Sul platform, amongst many others.
UFC’s Michel Pereira on the ‘front line’ rescuing stranded animals
Not only have first responders been working tirelessly to help rescue local people in the flooded areas, but a few of them have also been joined by fan favorite UFC middleweight contender Michel Pereira.
Taking to social media, Pereira has detailed the struggle of rescuing stranded animals that have either been trapped by the rising water levels or left behind as their owners flee the catastrophe.
“I’m exhausted but I can’t get tired of helping. I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life, so I chose to be on the front line. We are with you, Rio Grande do Sul,” he wrote on his X (Twitter) account.
“The last few days have been like this: a lot of struggle, but also a lot of satisfaction in each animal except for this gigantic flood. The scenes I’ve been seeing are scary.”
“I’ve never seen something like this even in a movie, but I’m sure of one thing: we’re going to win this fight here too.”
“A lot of struggle around here but we stay firm,” he added in one of his most recent X posts – which also included a link to his Vakinha charitable page where both MMA and non-MMA fans can donate.
“Things are getting worse, water is rising again! If you can contribute any amount, please do! If you can come, come! Thousands of people and animals need our help.”
If Pereira was already a fan favorite star in the UFC, his actions in helping those less fortunate will see him become a truly beloved name in the sport; check out some of the reactions to his work online:
Other responses include: “Our get gets W’s inside and outside the cage,” “Right on Brother, you just earned yourself a fan,” “Showing this kind of support is inspirational,” and “Michel is the champ.”
Michel isn’t the only Pereira helping his community in this difficult time
Given that a large portion of the UFC roster fights out of Brazil, various top-level fighters and trainers have come together to support those impacted by the flooding.
This includes light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who recently made a $100,000 donation to help aid and clean-up efforts in the affected regions.
Speaking via MMA HOJE, Pereira explained “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.”
