Dustin Poirier doesn’t just know his cage skills.
A former UFC lightweight title challenger Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) has quickly become one of the most charitable fighters in MMA. Whether it’s donating resources, money or time, Poirier has a long history of giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate than himself.
On Friday, a day before his UFC headlining ESPN 12 against Dan Hooker, Poirier received the first Forrest Griffin Community Award. The promotion announced the honor in a press release.
“Announced earlier this year, the Forrest Griffin Community Prize it is presented annually as part of the UFC Honors President’s Choice category, as the winner of the award is personally selected by UFC President Dana White, ”the statement read. “UFC honors, presented by Toyo Tires® is the company’s annual awards program that recognizes UFC athletes, performances, and moments throughout each year.
UFC President Dana White and UFC Hall of Fame Forrest Griffin also spoke in the press release. Each expressed admiration for Poirier’s charitable actions.
“Dustin is a great athlete, but more importantly, he is a great human being,” said UFC President Dana White. “He is a child who works hard and is passionate about giving back not only to his community, but to those who are less fortunate.”
Griffin added: “I am so happy that people like him are in the sport. He is a good person and a good representative of the sport. When you look back on your life, it is something you can reflect on and be proud of. I couldn’t ask for a better spokesperson and leader to start the award legacy. “
Poirier also made comments, apparently surprised by the UFC award on ESPN 12 weigh-ins.
“I am grateful for the things we have accomplished with the foundation, the way it is growing and the support and the people who support it,” said Poirier. “It is amazing that when you do something from the heart, something that means something to you and you do it the right way, all the right things fit together. These things are forced, they are just happening. “
Additionally, Toyo Tires, who sponsors the award, announced that he will donate $ 25,000 to a charity chosen by Poirier.
Poirier, 31, started “The Good Fight Foundation” with the help of his wife Jolie in 2018. The foundation has helped launch initiatives to improve the lives of those in and around Poirier’s hometown of Lafayette, The.
The release also details a number of additional forms that Poirier has returned.
Dustin has also used his UFC fight kits for the fight, auctioning off his clothing inventory to raise donations for the families of fallen law enforcement officers, and building a local playground for Aaron Hill, a Lafayette patient in seven years with terminal illness. Hill, diagnosed with a genetic brain disorder, requested that a special needs playground be built for his friends attending Prairie Elementary School.
In May 2019, Mayor Joel Robideaux awarded him the Key to the City of Lafayette for his work with The Good Fight Foundation and his contributions to the community.
After their most recent fight in September 2019 against UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov and Poirier raffled each of their UFC Legacy Series Walkout jerseys, raising over $ 100,000 with a direct UFC match. , totaling $ 200,000 donated directly to the Foundation. “
UFC on ESPN 12 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card is broadcast on ESPN and broadcast on ESPN +.
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