Mike “Proper” Malott made his promotional debut at UFC 273 last weekend on one of the preliminary cards. The Ontario-born athlete viciously knocked down Mickey Gall in the middle of the first round. This win marked his 4th consecutive win in his professional MMA career.
After, Malott gained a lot of attention after revealing he would be donating his show money (half of his paycheck) to the daughter of one of his coaches who is struggling with stage 3 lymphoma. Malott also used the moment to ask the crowd to go to his profile and donate to the kid’s gofundme. Thanks to his shout out, the gofundme went from $50,000 to $100,000 overnight with more donations coming in.
Mike Malott earned a total of $20,000 for his debut in the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Meaning, $10,000 to show and another $10,000 to win the fight.
Mike Malott’s move motivated many people in the arena during UFC 273. Despite being initially booed for asking people to go to his profile, the crowd changed their tune once they learned it was about a cancer stricken 15 year old.
During the press conference after UFC 273, Mike Malott revealed that fans have handed him a wad of cash in an envelope hoping to donate to the good cause.
Dana White also said the UFC would donate the $20,000 so Malott could keep both his show and win money.
“He looked good. The kid looked good. He’s fun, he’s fun to watch. He can keep his ten grand, and I’ll do his show and his win, and I’ll donate it to his coach.” White said.
Additionally, the celebrity boxer Jake Paul and his foundation gave another $10,000. Jake announced it on his Twitter account while also taking a dig at the UFC’s low fighter pay.
“[Mike Mallot] congrats on the win. Count me and [Boxing Bullies] in for $10K. F*ck cancer and f*ck s***ty fighter pay.” Jake wrote.
Mike Malott posted on his Instagram account to give huge thanks to everyone who helped give the 15-year-old Angie some hope. Up until now, the fund gathered $105,702.
“There are so many things to talk about from last night — it was an incredible night for me!
The first thing I wanted to address was the generosity of people willing to donate money to help @joey_rodriguez916, his daughter Angie and his family. Firstly, after announcing I’d be donating my show money from last nights fight @danawhite said he’d make the donation instead to let me keep my money! I will still make a donation, but a huge thank you to Dana for doing that — that was amazing!
Secondly, to the fans who handed me money from their pockets without hesitation as I walked from the cage you absolutely blew me away with generosity!
Thirdly, to the almost 900 (and still counting) fans who donated to Angie’s fight you’ll make a massive difference for an amazing family.
Fourthly, to @jakepaul for matching the 10k donation with his foundation @boxingbullies. Truly generous.
Thank you to everyone for helping and donating. Faith in humanity restored.”
Some of the athletes that have taken to supporting the cause are Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, Josh Emmett, Jessica Rose, Kevin Holland, Paige Vanzant, Chael Sonnen and Andre Fili.