Michel Pereira, one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC’s roster, has been lending his hands in a helpful manner following severe flooding in Brazil.
Over the past week, heavy rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul has led to devastating flooding, claiming the lives of over 100 people, and leading to more than 160,000 people seeking shelter due to damage. Many emergency services have worked tirelessly in rescue efforts, including Brazil’s Pereira.
Just days after recording a dramatic first-round submission at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, the UFC middleweight has shifted his focus from fighting to saving lives.
In multiple videos posted to his social media accounts, Pereira and others in his rescue groups have navigated flood waters in boats and jet skis, assisting residents and rescuing stranded animals while working through waters up to 10 feet deep.
“Another day of battle around here,” Pereira wrote in Portuguese on Instagram Wednesday. “Today, there were more than 15 animals saved from this immensity of water. The scenes I’m seeing are heartbreaking even the roughest like me, but I follow my purpose of helping those who need it most. We are one people. We are Brazilians.”
In another post Wednesday, Pereira expressed sadness about the devastating situation in his home country, but found relief in successful rescues of more animals that were left stranded in homes.
“We’re several days into this seemingly never-ending struggle,” Pereira wrote in another Instagram post. “The water stinks. Water hurts from being cold Water makes everything difficult But today alone, 26 dogs and 3 guinea pigs were rescued. We’re here for you. Let’s get this out of here. Keep donating, keep supporting.”
Rio Grande do Sul is about 924 miles away from the site of Pereira’s most recent fight in Rio de Janeiro. The state’s capital of Porto Alegre, home to 1.3 million people, and Canoas, a municipality of the Greater Porto Alegre area, have experienced the deepest flood waters. Residents currently have no electricity and are experiencing shortages of clean water and other necessities.
Unfortunately, more rain is forecasted in the coming days, which will likely result in more flooding and delayed emergency assistance.
Pereira is asking for donations to support the ongoing rescue efforts. As an incentive, he will give away his jacket and fight-worn gloves from UFC 301.
