Torrential rains in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has caused major flooding in the region.
More than 500 people have lost their lives as the death toll rises, according to a CNN report.
“Most of the deaths were reported in the cities of Nova Friburgo and Teresopolis, located in a mountainous region northeast of Rio, according to Agencia Brasil,” the report reads. (Agencia Brasil is Brazil’s official news agency.)
“At least 238 people died in Teresopolis, while 252 were killed in the town of Nova Friburgo.”
Several important figures in mixed martial arts and combat sports hail from Nova Friburgo, Brazil; Edson Barboza Jr., Alex Davis, Pablo Popovitch, Marlon Moraes, and Vagner Rocha among them. They have all been impacted by these tragic floods. They have lost loved ones, friends, and most of their hometown to the mudslides that have ravaged this area of Brazil.
In response, two prominent fight teams in Florida, the Armory and American Top Team, have banded together to raise money and help support the relief effort in Nova Friburgo.
Combat Athletes for Nova Friburgo is asking fans of MMA and their network of friends to donate whatever they can to help save lives impacted by one of Brazil’s most deadly natural disaster.
The combined effort offers several avenues to raise funds.
Donate in person at the following academies:
The Armory
603 Commerece Way West Jupiter, FL 33458
3133 Fortune Way – Suite #21, Wellington, FL 33414
American Top Team
4631 Johnson Rd Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Mail payments directly to:
Combat Athletes For Nova Friburgo
160 Congress Park Drive
Suite 211
Delray Beach, FL 33445
All checks should be made payable to:
Combat Athletes for Nova Friburgo
For more information, visit the Combat Athletes For Nova Frisburgo website.