Shock in the UFC community: CEO dona $ 80 million for victims of floods in Texas, a superstar binds to rescue work

Houston, Texas – July 7, 2025. The devastation caused by recent sudden floods in the state of Texas has left an indelible mark on thousands of families. However, in pain and loss, an act of mass solidarity by the UFC has deeply moved public opinion, sport and the entire world.

Dana White, CEO of the UFC, surprised to announce a historical donation of 80 million dollars destined to support victims, finance search and rescue operations, and contribute to the reconstruction of communities affected by the disaster. What few expected is that one of the most recognized names of the Octagon, one of the most beloved superstars of the team, would travel personally to the zero zone to help directly, with their own hands.

The disaster that shook Texas

Sudden floods began on July 3, after torrential rains that exceeded all records in several Texas regions. Whole neighborhoods were razed in a matter of hours. Collapsed roads, submerged homes and hundreds of missing people generated an unprecedented state emergency.

Local authorities and emergency services have worked tirelessly, but the magnitude of the disaster quickly exceeded logistics capacities. It was then that reinforcements began to arrive: firefighters from other states, volunteers … and the unexpected help from the world’s largest martial arts.

Dana White: A gesture that transcends sport

In a press conference held on July 5, Dana White expressed in a broken voice:

“This goes beyond sport. It is time to act as human beings. What has happened in Texas touches us all. These families have lost everything, even their loved ones. As the leader of an organization with global reach, I feel the responsibility of supporting with all possible resources.”

The donation of $ 80 million is distributed in three axes: immediate humanitarian aid (food, water, accommodation), search and rescue operations, and reconstruction of community infrastructure. In addition, he promised to channel resources for mental health and attention to children affected by the trauma of the catastrophe.

The star that came down from the octagon to the mud

But what really broke the hearts of fans was to discover, through images published on social networks by local inhabitants, that Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, just days after his shocking victory over Ilyia Topuria, had secretly traveled to Texas to join the rescue efforts.

Dressed in rubber boots, without bodyguards or press, he was seen helping to take out debris, transfer food and comfort children in evacuation centers. “I didn’t come as a fighter, I came as a human being,” he said in a brief interview recorded by a local volunteer. “I won a fight, but these people are struggling to survive. This is where he really fights.”

A particular photograph, where Pimblett is seen carrying an old man rescued from a flooded house, went viral. The image was shared millions of times on social networks and was entitled by many as “the true champion.”

Tears among fans

The comments soon filled the Internet. From messages of pride to virtual tears, the reaction was unanimous: shock, respect and admiration.

“I was never a fan of UFC, but after seeing this, my hat took away,” wrote a Texan mother whose house was destroyed.

“This man fought 4 days ago … And now he is here saving lives? It is the type of hero that the world needs,” a user tweeted from California.

Even local and national political figures highlighted the gesture. The Governor of Texas, at a press conference, publicly thanked Dana White and the UFC team for her “exemplary humanitarian support that transcends borders and ideologies.”

More than a sports organization

The UFC, accustomed to controversy and the show, has demonstrated this time that it can also be a real social impact agent. This episode not only improves its public image, but also launches a powerful message to the rest of the sports world: the scope of an organization must also be used to serve.

The UFC filming equipment has announced that they will not record any documentary or advertising content on the help provided, by direct request of the CEO. “This is not for marketing. This is for humanity,” Dana White explained.

A before and after

For many fans, what happened in Texas will change forever the way they see their idols of the octagon. Seeing one of them, covered with mud, distributing blankets or pushing a boat between flooded streets, has humanized sport in an unprecedented way.

And for Texas, the wounds will take to heal. But without a doubt, the help received from where it was least expected – from the world of mixed martial arts – has lit a light in the midst of darkness.