Joe Pyfer and Sean Brady at Beat the Streets Philadelphia
UFC recently partnered with the Forge MMA, Azzim Dukes Boxing Initiative, Beat the Streets Wrestling Philadelphia, and the Sixers Youth Foundation to host several community activations as part of fight week for UFC 330: MAKHACHEV vs. MACHADO GARRY, which took place on Saturday, August 15, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
On Tuesday, August 11, UFC middleweight Kyle Daukaus and former UFC heavyweight Chris Daukaus led more than 20 local youth in a jiu-jitsu training seminar at The Forge MMA.
Kyle Daukaus at The Forge MMA
Kyle Daukaus at The Forge MMA
“We had a great time teaching our kids here today,” said Kyle Daukaus. “Youth jiu-jitsu is an important element of our gym because it provides self-esteem and confidence to our kids from an early age. Our goals are centered around helping them build confidence and lay the groundwork for health, fitness and hard work. Thanks to UFC for working with us as part of fight week!”
Founded in 2025 by the Daukaus brothers, The Forge MMA provides elite-level MMA and BJJ training to the local Philadelphia community, with real-world techniques taught by coaches who have competed at the highest levels of the sport.
The Forge MMA
The Forge MMA
UFC donated training equipment and bags to the gym, and each student received a T-shirt courtesy of UFC BJJ.
On Wednesday, August 12, former UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns and Zuffa Boxing middleweight Jalil Hackett joined USA Boxing coach Maleek Jackson and his coaching staff to host a youth training seminar as part of the Azzim Dukes Initiative.
Gilbert Burns
Gilbert Burns
“The Azzim Dukes Initiative is a great program for local students here in Philadelphia, and it’s an honor for us to be here,” said Burns. “This is truly a safe and supportive space, and what I like most is that this program is dedicated to giving young people a place to study and stay physically fit. Maleek Jackson and his team are doing a great job, and we look forward to coming back soon.”
During the event, both athletes taught the fundamentals of boxing, focusing primarily on movement, foot placement and counterstriking.
Jalil Hackett
Jalil Hackett
Founded by Jackson, the Azzim Dukes Initiative is a nonprofit organization that uses boxing, mentorship and youth development to help young people build confidence, discipline, resilience and leadership skills. The initiative serves young people under the age of 25, particularly those in underserved communities affected by gun violence.
At the conclusion of the event, each student received a pair of Project Rock sneakers, along with a T-shirt, hat and bag, courtesy of Zuffa Boxing and Good Sports. Zuffa Boxing also donated $5,000 to support the organization’s mission.
Zuffa Boxing shirt
Zuffa Boxing shirt
On Thursday, August 13, UFC athletes Joe Pyfer and Sean Brady joined local wrestlers for an after-school panel discussion and training session at Beat the Streets Philadelphia.
“The mission of Beat the Streets Philadelphia is about using the sport to positively alter the lives of our students, and having Joe and Sean here today helps reinforce that,” said James Mangan, executive director of Beat the Streets Philadelphia. “Our students look up to both Joe and Sean, and they are great examples of local student-athletes who overcame tremendous obstacles to become positive role models on a global scale. Our students had an amazing time, and they will never forget this experience.”
Joe Pyfer at Beat the Streets Philadelphia
Joe Pyfer at Beat the Streets Philadelphia
Beat the Streets Philadelphia is a sports-based youth development program committed to fostering the holistic growth of student-athletes living in at-risk, underserved communities. BTSP implements mentoring, academic support and wrestling programs throughout the greater Philadelphia region as vehicles to “Positively Alter Life’s Trajectory.”
Pyfer and Brady joined the afternoon wrestling class and provided several technique demonstrations, as both athletes wrestled locally while attending high school. After the session, they participated in a panel discussion with the students, covering a range of wrestling- and education-related topics.
At the conclusion of the session, each student received UFC-branded notebooks and pens. UFC also donated $10,000 to support the organization’s mission.
On Saturday, August 15, UFC partnered with the Sixers Youth Foundation to host an in-venue 50/50 raffle during UFC 329 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Fans could purchase tickets throughout the event.
The raffle grossed $33,240, with net proceeds benefiting local youth charities throughout Pennsylvania.
UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, strategically collaborates with partners, sponsors and athletes to develop charitable programs and funding sources that help bolster and inspire local communities. To learn more, visit the UFC Foundation.