Rest With Gods’: Mike Tyson Joins Dana White to Mourn the Death of a Young UFC Fan

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” Seneca’s words are as relevant today as they were in his days. We live in an age where it barely takes a few minutes to forget the existence of another human standing next to us. However, once in a while, we get across stories that lift our spirits and reimpose our faith in humanity.

UFC President Dana White shared a message through his Twitter handle about the passing away of a teenage fan he met at one of the UFC’s front-page events.

Adding on, he mentioned how Iron Mike went out of his way to make the youngster feel at home.

Mike Tyson and Dana White: A life in fighting

Manchester, Connecticut, born Dana Frederick White Jr., is today a name to be reckoned with in the sporting world. Starting as Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell’s manager, he bought UFC in 2001. Under him, the fortunes of the UFC have climbed over the years like a bat out of hell.

Iron Mike, on the other hand, grew up in the tough-knuckled streets of Brooklyn. It was a chance meeting with legendary boxing coach Cus D’Amato that changed his life forever. The sagging popularity of Heavyweight boxing after Muhamad Ali surged when Mike Tyson tore apart every boxer that challenged him.

Read More: ‘I’m a God to the Gutter’: Mike Tyson Paints Brutally Honest Picture of Himself

As much as their emergence differs like a fish out of water, their subsequent journey, at least in the professional arena, bears similarities. Belligerency and a gladiatorial zeal often marred their wheeling and dealings.

The recently conducted UFC 281 had the likes of Alex Pereira fighting Israel Adesanya, and Dustin Poirier pitted against Michael Chandler. However, out of the fourteen fights at New York’s Madison Square Garden, only three went to decisions for declaring the winners.

Mike Tyson was also present as one of the guests. Dana states that without any prompt or request from his end or his team, Mike got up and welcomed sixteen years old Michael.

Michael at UFC Mains

A dyed-in-the-wool UFC fan, Michael began an online fundraising campaign for himself to see his favorite fighters. Suffering from a life-threatening illness, Dana White took it upon himself to reach out and invite Michael to UFC 279. The T Mobile Arena in Nevada hosted Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, Khamzat Chimaev, and Johnny Walker, among others, on September 10th.

The two events in the presence of greats surely brightened up the young Michael.

Deeply saddened when he learned the news of Michael’s demise, Dana commended his unflinching verve for life.

Sad as all of us are in losing Michael, what Mike and Dana did for the gentle soul is undoubtedly inspirational. Do share your thoughts and comments with us.

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