FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
May 1, 2025
Ian Tsang
[email protected]
UFC PARTNERS WITH FIGHTSTORY AS CHARITABLE CORPORATE PARTNER
Support from UFC to Help Fund Mental Health Resources for Combat Sports Athletes
Las Vegas, NV — Fightstory, the nonprofit organization founded by former six-time MMA World Champion Angela Lee Pucci, is proud to welcome UFC as an official charitable corporate partner. This partnership marks a significant moment for combat sports, where the importance of mental health is increasingly recognized as essential to athlete performance, longevity, and overall well-being.
With support from UFC, Fightstory is developing impactful programs to serve the mental health needs of the global fighting community. One of the cornerstone initiatives made possible through this support is the Mental Fight Kit — a comprehensive toolkit designed to help fighters build emotional resilience, strengthen their mindset, and thrive both in and out of competition.
The announcement arrives in May during Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring both organizations’ commitment to elevating mental wellness within the combat sports world.
“We’re incredibly grateful to UFC for aligning with our mission to break the silence around mental health,” said Angela Lee Pucci, President and Executive Director of Fightstory. “Through their generous support, we are building tools like the Mental Fight Kit that will empower athletes to build emotional resilience and ultimately help fighters thrive on their unique journey.”
The Mental Fight Kit features four key sections:
- Pre-Fight Kit Self-Assessment – A guided check-in tool to help fighters evaluate their mental fitness and identify areas for growth.
- The Warrior’s Self-Concept – A deep dive into personal identity, mindset, and values through reflections and journaling.
- Mindset of a Champion – Mental training frameworks such as the Growth, Warrior, Stoic, and Compassionate mindsets.
- Core Mental Performance Topics – 12 practical skills covering areas like emotional regulation, breath control, visualization, and adaptability.
Every module includes science-based guidance, mental reps, and “mental hooks” to help athletes integrate the lessons into daily life.
“As someone who’s faced battles both inside and outside the Octagon, I know firsthand how crucial mental strength is,” said Jared Gordon, UFC lightweight and Fightstory Director. “The Mental Fight Kit is a game-changer, providing fighters with the tools to build resilience and maintain focus, not just in fights but in everyday life.”
The long-term vision of the Mental Fight Kit is to help foster a global culture of mental training in combat sports, making it just as respected and essential as physical training. By combining storytelling, insight, and guided performance tools, Fightstory is aiming to spark a movement that makes mental health a priority, not a luxury.
“Fighting isn’t just physical — it’s deeply mental,” continued Lee Pucci. “Whether you’re stepping into the cage or facing the battles of everyday life, your mindset is everything. The Mental Fight Kit exists to help you define your journey, face yourself, and grow into the strongest version of who you are.”
To learn more about the Mental Fight Kit, visit:
https://fightstory.org/mental-health-fight-kit/
About Fightstory
Fightstory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by 6-time MMA World Champion Angela Lee Pucci. Inspired by her own journey, Fightstory is dedicated to supporting mental wellness in combat sports and beyond. Built on the belief that the strongest battles are often the ones we fight within, the organization aims to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health through storytelling, education, and community.
Learn more at Fightstory.org
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. UFC produces over 40 live events annually and broadcasts to more than 950 million households across 170+ countries. UFC’s athlete roster includes the best MMA talent representing over 70 nations. UFC is a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For more, visit UFC.com and follow @UFC on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat.