Atlanta – The American Fight League (AFL), which is hosting its first fight night in Georgia at Philips Arena on Friday, May 30, does not see the entertainment value of mixed martial arts as the sole purpose of its business. Instead, AFL co-founders Jon Hatton and BJ Santiago have a different vision for their league – to legitimize the sport and make an impact in every community it touches.
Keeping that vision in mind, AFL welcomed members of Atlanta’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program to its “weigh-in” event held yesterday at the Omni Hotel. During the event AFL recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters for its extraordinary work with children, inviting its members to be honored guests at “AFL: BulletProof” tonight and making a contribution to the non-profit.
“The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program is making a tremendous impact on children in the Atlanta metro area,” said Jon Hatton, AFL Chief Operating Officer and administrator of the organization’s charitable programs. “We are pleased to be able to recognize and support their work in this community.”
The “Big” and “Little” representatives who attended the event yesterday watched enthusiastically as the fighters showed off their muscle during the weigh-in. The athletes also spent time talking with them about mixed martial arts and how discipline, hard work and perseverance helped them succeed in the sport.
Rita Owens, spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters said, “Big Brothers Big Sisters greatly appreciates the AFL’s generosity in donating not only money but also their time to make our ‘Littles’ feel special. It was good for them to see how the fighters target their talents and skills in a positive manner.”
While other mixed martial arts (MMA) leagues are known for their brutality and crudeness, American Fight League is looking to change the face of the sport. The league is already being recognized for its unconventional – in terms of traditional MMA leagues – style and vision.
“Without question, we are looking to shake things up in the world of mixed martial arts,” said Chief Executive Officer BJ Santiago. “American Fight League was established to not only promote the sport but to also impact every community we encounter through charitable activities. We want every athlete that is affiliated with AFL to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.”
In addition to supporting children’s programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, AFL has a strong commitment to the U.S. troops. Over the last several weeks AFL has reached out to soldiers in the Atlanta metro area, making trips to nearby Ft. Benning, providing hundreds of free tickets to soldiers, and offering a special discount to all military personnel and first responders attending BulletProof. Additionally, former Chicago Bears Quarterback, Jim McMahon, will be on hand at the fight tonight to help AFL honor the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Ft. Benning.
“As a company we made a decision to donate a percentage of our annual proceeds to supporting the U.S. troops,” said Santiago. “Their mission is critically important to us and we believe it is our duty, as responsible corporate citizens, to support them as much as possible.”
The AFL’s work in the community consists of more than financial support, though. The league is so serious about its commitment to public service that all AFL athletes are required by contract to personally participate in community outreach programs. This approach helps the league build relationships in every community it touches and also provides fighters with a chance to positively influence others.
Junior Assuncao, an MMA fight legend, attributes his decision to leave the UFC for the American Fight League to these charitable opportunities. “The AFL is a special group – the league stands for helping people while helping our sport and that is really why I wanted to join,” Assuncao said.
In Santiago’s words, American Fight League is committed to “giving back to every city we visit,” and clearly it is already making its mark on Atlanta.
For more information about AFL or tomorrow night’s AFL: BULLETPROOF event at Philips Arena, please visit www.americanfightleague.com.
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