he UFC is proud to announce that former UFC light heavyweight, Rogerio Nogueira (Minotouro), and UFC Hall of Famer Rodrigo Nogueira (Minotauro) have been named the 2023 recipients of the Forrest Griffin Community Award. Presented annually as part of the UFC Honors President’s Choice category, the Forrest Griffin Community Award recognizes exceptional volunteer and charity work by UFC athletes and the meaningful impact their efforts have on the community. This year’s award is presented by Toyo Tires®.
The Nogueira brothers will receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of their choice, courtesy of Toyo Tires. The award will be presented during the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, part of the 11th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Nogueira Brothers Institute, founded in 2010, has been a positive force in Brazil by providing free tutoring, jiu-jitsu training, food, and accessories to over 8,500 children from underprivileged communities. The organization currently has more than 2,100 active students across seven locations throughout the country, with plans to open an eighth location in June 2023. Their mission emphasizes the importance of education and making their students black belts both in life and sports – teaching the values of martial arts as a tool for transformation and social inclusion.
UFC President Dana White praised the brothers’ commitment to the community, saying, “The Nogueira Brothers have been amazing role models for giving back to their communities in Brazil and have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of kids throughout the country. It will be an honor to present them with this award as part of the UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”
Toyo Tires Senior Manager for Events, Sponsorships, and Motorsports, Stan Chen said, “We congratulate Rodrigo and Rogerio Nogueira on being recognized as the Forrest Griffin Community Award recipients. The Nogueira Brothers’ long-standing commitment to providing free tutoring, jiu-jitsu training, food, and accessories to over 8,500 children in Brazil is a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of others.”
The Nogueira Brothers Institute’s commitment to providing opportunities for teaching and improving the sport of mixed martial arts by training children, adults, and the elderly who reside in Brazil’s most under-resourced communities aligns with the Forrest Griffin Community Award’s focus on meaningful community impact. The Nogueira brothers’ charity work has made them legendary figures in the UFC, and their recognition with the Forrest Griffin Community Award is well-deserved.
