He just reached #1 in the UFC lightweight rankings, after knocking out famed mixed martial artist Conor McGregor over the weekend—but Dustin Poirier is also #1 in the hearts of kids and their parents in Lafayette, Louisiana.
When the 32-year-old former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion wanted to give back to his hometown, he and his high-school-sweetheart-turned-wife Jolie only had to travel to their closet for inspiration.
They began auctioning off the shorts, jackets, and wraps that Poirier used in dozens of storied fights—selling the memorabilia through a new nonprofit called "The Good Fight" dedicated to helping underserved communities in their local Acadiana region.
The foundation has raised thousands of dollars since 2018 to impact others, including the young family of fallen LPD officer Michael Middlebrook, and disabled children who didn't have a playground.
The first auctioned kit was from the Poirier vs Eddie Alvarez fight, with proceeds providing 3,000 meals for their local Second Harvest Food Bank.
In August 2019, a playground for children, but specially-built for kids with special needs, became the fulfillment of a dying wish by a young boy in a wheelchair, after Jolie heard the story.
Poirier says it makes him feel "really proud" and really happy—especially as a father to a young 4-year-old daughter.
"I can be the tough guy, travel all around the world, get in bloody fights." he told KLFY News. "(But) I can come home, and I'm still dad. I can play barbies. It really balances me out."
Selling fight kits provided over 100 women experiencing homelessness with care packages, and 500 children with school supplies & backpacks at Acadian Middle School. "We were also able to provide the shelter with brand new furniture for their residents, too," reports The Good Fight website.
Donations to The Good Fight also supported former UFC fighter Justin Wren who now champions long-suffering Pygmy tribes in Africa—providing new water wells, solar power, and 43 acres of purchased land for the Uganda Batwa tribe.
And, even the COVID outbreak hasn't knocked this family off their giving game. They organized a Thanksgiving Food Drive, and prepared feasts for all the surrounding shelters.
Now, other fighters are donating parts of their kits for auction, including the winner of the UFC main event fight on Wednesday, Michael Chiesa, from Spokane, Washington.
Until February 15, sweepstakes tickets can be purchased for $10 for the chance to win the autographed Reebok Walkout Jacket worn by the welterweight fighter during the event, along win a private Zoom Call—with 100% of the proceeds benefitting The Good Fight Foundation.
The Good Fight's first 2021 goal is to fully fund transportation and tutors for all 6 locations of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Currently, the kids have transportation from school to the clubs, but do not have a ride home in the evening—which cuts attendance dramatically.
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A slew of donations came in after Dustin's January 24 fight, but their crowd-funding page has reached just 10% of their $100,000 goal, so join the funding if you can.
Paul Acron, a fan who donated $105.00 wrote: "Congratulations Dustin… Great fight against Conor but even greater fight to try and make things even for these deserving young boys and girls."
"I am a fighter. It's what I do. Now I want to fight the good fight—for those who can't," says Poirier. "I have created a platform for fellow athletes and fans to join together, fight for underserved communities and answer the call of those in need."
WATCH a video from July, 2020 when The Good Fight launched…
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