“Forrest Griffin epitomizes what it really means to give back and be a charitable person, so it’s perfect that this award is named in his honor,” said UFC president Dana White. “Forrest is someone who will volunteer their time and volunteer with charities, and then help raise funds by making a personal donation without any recognition. That’s what charitable donations are for. He doesn’t do it because someone is looking at him, he does it because he cares. “
Forrest Griffin Community Award will be presented annually during International Wrestling Week as part of the UFC President’s Choice category, with the recipient being personally selected by UFC President Dana White. UFC Honors, presented by Toyo Tires® is the company’s annual rewards program that recognizes UFC athletes, performance and moments throughout each year. The winner of Forrest Griffin Community Award will receive a donation of $ 25,000 on their behalf which will be donated to the charity of their choice. All donations are courtesy of the UFC and Toyo Tires.
“I am extremely proud to have such a distinguished award named in my honor,” said Griffin. “At times like this, all I can think of is that I am not worthy and I have not done enough. We still think that we could and should have done more, but it doesn’t is not what it is about. It is about celebrating the good things we have done in the community and how we have helped change lives. I hope this award will encourage others to give more and get involved. “
After a career at the Hall of Fame, which notably won the inaugural season of revolutionary reality TV The ultimate fighter® and winning the light heavyweight title, Griffin joined the UFC front office in 2013 as vice president of Community Outreach. During this time, he was responsible for promoting the global brand’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community by developing relationships with local organizations, supporting various initiatives and overseeing the company’s broad social responsibility and public awareness programs. ‘UFC.
Since his retirement, Forrest has continued to support the many UFC partnerships with local charities such as Boys Town Nevada, Boys & Girls Clubs, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, and Three Square Food Bank, where he currently works. is a member of the board of directors.
The inaugural winner of this award will be announced in the coming weeks and will be honored at the UFC 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony presented by Toyo tires®, which will take place on Thursday July 9 at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.
The 9th annual UFC International Fight Week ™ takes place from Tuesday July 7 to Sunday July 12 in Las Vegas.