On Thursday, March 7, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, bantamweight Cory Sandhagen, flyweight Charles Johnson and middleweight Brendan Allen joined patients and families at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for an afternoon of fun ahead of UFC 299: O’MALLEY vs. VERA 2 fight week in Miami.
This marks the second athlete visit to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital since the UFC decided to bring main events back to Miami. This year, the athletes joined the hospital’s daily activity in the main lobby where patients were able to challenge the athletes to a three-round gaming circuit consisting of cornhole, tic-tac-toe and Connect 4. Once the circuit was complete, patients and athletes joined together to decorate their very own championship belts adorned with paint, gems, and confetti to add their own personalized touches.
“It is an honor to welcome the UFC back to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for the second time in the span of a year ahead of UFC 299,” said Dr. Jennifer McCafferty, SVP of External Affairs and Experience at Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Getting to see the tender side of these athletes as they enjoyed time with our patients and their families was priceless. Patients got to challenge the athletes to a three-round gaming circuit, which included a final activation station to create championship belts, because at the end of the day, all our children are champions too,” she added.
At the conclusion of the games and crafts activity, the athletes made a few bedside visits to eager UFC fans where they were able to spend some one-on-one, leaving behind some UFC Bleacher Creatures, replica championship belts and blankets.
“We had a great time spending the afternoon with the kids here at Nicklaus,” said Allen. “This is my second trip to this hospital, and it was great to bring a new group of athletes with us so they can see the impact we’re making on these kids. They are going through so much and it’s really cool for us to come and give them an afternoon they will never forget.”