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UFC and 4ocean volunteers work together to clear plastic waste from the beach, making a direct impact on ocean conservation.
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UFC PARTNERS WITH 4OCEAN TO RAISE MORE THAN $122,000 AS PART OF FIRST FIGHT FOR THE OCEAN CAMPAIGN

Campaign Raises Enough Funds To Remove 122,000 lbs. Of Plastic From Oceans.
By UFC Staff Report • Sep. 28, 2024

UFC recently partnered with 4ocean, the world’s leading ocean cleanup company, to produce the first joint global charitable campaign to help raise funds and awareness for the growing plastic pollution crisis.

The Fight for the Ocean campaign raised over $122,000, funding the removal of 122,000 lbs. of plastic from our oceans.
The Fight for the Ocean campaign raised over $122,000, funding the removal of 122,000 lbs. of plastic from our oceans.

The ‘Fight for the Ocean’ campaign, which launched on Earth Day (April 22) and concluded on International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 21), raised more than $122,000, providing funds to remove 122,000 pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines.

"The 'Fight for the Ocean' campaign has been a true collaboration, made possible by the incredible support of the UFC Foundation, the dedicated UFC team, and the passionate fans around the world,” said Grant Kendzior, Head of Strategic Partnerships – 4ocean. “Dana White’s leadership, joining us on the boats to clean the ocean, underscored UFC’s commitment to this cause. Together, we’ve united a global community to tackle plastic pollution and protect our precious oceans."

Volunteers work together to clear plastic waste from the shore, making a lasting impact on ocean conservation.
Volunteers work together to clear plastic waste from the shore, making a lasting impact on ocean conservation.

The campaign, offered in the form of an online sweepstakes, allowed fans to receive entries based on donations from $5 – $100, with a winner and a guest attending the UFC Pay-Per-View event of their choice in 2025 as the VIP guest of UFC President & CEO Dana White.

Joseph Ferriolo, a UFC fan from Lutz, Florida, won the campaign after donating $25 dollars as an entry. He and his son have chosen to attend the 13th Annual UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas this summer.

A dedicated volunteer pulls plastic waste from the ocean, highlighting the fight against pollution and the impact of cleanup efforts.
A dedicated volunteer pulls plastic waste from the ocean, highlighting the fight against pollution and the impact of cleanup efforts.

“Honestly, I can’t believe we won,” said Ferriolo. “We are huge UFC fans and it’s going to be a memorable experience attending IFW this summer with my son. We can’t wait!” 

The campaign also generated more than 1,700 new donors to the 4ocean Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization dedicated to eliminating plastic waste while promoting sustainable practices to help protect and preserve global marine ecosystems.

One volunteer hands over trash to another, working together to keep the beach clean and protect marine life.
One volunteer hands over trash to another, working together to keep the beach clean and protect marine life.

Funds raised from the campaign were deployed into the 4ocean Foundation’s Palm Beach County, Florida-based Global Innovation Center, the global hub that manages all cleanup operations. 

UFC’s partnership with 4ocean showcased its commitment to environmental causes and provided a platform for millions of fans to get involved in the fight against ocean pollution. It also highlighted how sports organizations can leverage their influence to address global environmental challenges.

Three volunteers sift through a pile of trash in a water passage, working together to protect our oceans and restore the environment.
Three volunteers sift through a pile of trash in a water passage, working together to protect our oceans and restore the environment.

UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, strategically collaborates with partners, sponsors, and athletes to develop additional charitable programs and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the local community.

 

A volunteer navigates the water in a kayak, gathering plastic waste to support ocean conservation and keep our waterways clean.
A volunteer navigates the water in a kayak, gathering plastic waste to support ocean conservation and keep our waterways clean.

To learn more, please visit 4OCEAN.

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