Key Takeaways
UFC partnered with three NYC youth programs during UFC 322 fight week, reaching more than 100 students through hands-on training seminars
A new 12,000-square-foot NYPD Cops & Kids Boxing facility in the Bronx was designed and outfitted in collaboration with UFC
The Cops & Kids program now serves more than 1,200 youth across the Metro NYC area
Total Wireless joined UFC to provide educational gift baskets, headphones, and laptops to students at Hit the Books MMA
Two wounded veterans received UFC’s Community Heroes Award in recognition of Veterans Day
UFC Expands Youth Fitness Footprint in New York City
UFC used its UFC 322 fight week in November to activate community programming across three New York City youth organizations: the NYPD’s Cops & Kids Boxing program, Hit the Books MMA, and the Harlem Police Athletic League.
On November 12, UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar and flyweight Ronaldo Rodriguez led a class of more than 50 students through boxing drills at the Cops & Kids program’s new Bronx location. The following day, former UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and welterweight Gilbert Burns coached another 50-plus students through boxing and jiu-jitsu fundamentals at Hit the Books MMA, in collaboration with the Harlem Police Athletic League.
A New 12,000-Square-Foot Youth Training Facility
The Bronx facility, spanning more than 12,000 square feet, was designed in collaboration with UFC, which outfitted the space with weights, cardio equipment, and boxing gear. UFC and Zuffa Boxing serve as official charitable partners of the Cops & Kids program.
“There’s no way we can continue to provide our local youth with state-of-the-art free centers, tutoring, and training without the support of partners like UFC,” said Pasquale Russo, Executive Director of NYPC Youth Boxing. Russo also noted the program’s excitement around the launch of Zuffa Boxing in the coming year.
Brand Activation Meets Community Impact
Total Wireless partnered with UFC for the Hit the Books MMA event, providing gifts and educational baskets to all students. Select participants received headphones and laptops in recognition of academic achievement.
“Alexa and Gilbert provided our youth with an unforgettable experience and showed that if they apply the same discipline on the mats and in the classroom, they can become successful in anything they want to do in life,” said Jhae Thompson, Executive Director of Hit the Books MMA.
This type of brand-community activation offers a model that youth sports operators and sponsors can study. A national sports property pairs with a telecom brand, and the activation reaches young athletes through direct programming rather than traditional signage or media buys.
Veteran Recognition Through UFC’s Community Heroes Award
UFC also hosted two veterans from Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors during fight week: Staff Sgt. Brent Nadjadi (US Army) and Sgt. Saul Monroy (USMC). Both received UFC’s Community Heroes Award, created by UFC President and CEO Dana White to honor military members, law enforcement, and first responders. UFC has been a charitable sponsor of the organization since 2019 and collaborates on installing custom gyms in veterans’ homes.
Why This Matters for Youth Sports
UFC’s fight week activations demonstrate how major sports properties can build community programming around tentpole events. The combination of athlete-led coaching, facility investment, and brand partnerships offers a repeatable framework. For youth sports operators, the model highlights the value of aligning with national partners who bring both resources and visibility to local programs.
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