The UFC and its parent company, Endeavor, are stepping up to give assistance to Australia in the midst of arguably the biggest climate crisis in the country’s history.
Hot and dry weather during Australia’s fire season makes wildfires there an annual danger. But the weather conditions this time around have been more severe. According to reports, experts there are pointing to climate change for the increase in severity.
All told, the bushfires reportedly have burned in the range of 18 million acres across Australia, and nearly 30 people have been killed. Millions of animals have been killed, with reports of an estimated 500 million animals’ habitats affected.
“To support recovery efforts, UFC is joining Endeavor and its partner companies in making a $250,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross Diaster Relief and Recovery Fund,” UFC president Dana White said in a video released Friday. “The people of Australia are facing a long battle to overcome these fires and rebuild their lives, and they need our help.”
Donations can be made to the Australian Red Cross Diaster Relief and Recovery Fund online.
The UFC and Endeavor are the latest to make large donations to support the relief fund. Elton John pledged $1 million earlier this week on a tour stop in Sydney. Kylie Jenner pledged $1 million, as well. Australia native Nicole Kidman and her husband, Keith Urban, donated $500,000, as did legendary metal band Metallica. Pink donated $500,000, too. And they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
The UFC has put on a total of 15 shows in Australia over the course of its history. The first came in 2010 with UFC 110 in Sydney. UFC 243 took place in Melbourne this past October and set the company’s new attendance record with more than 57,000 fans at Marvel Stadium.
