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[Anthony]

This post is from UG

MMA fans and fighters: Many of were shocked and saddened by the news last week about our dear friend Ryan Bennett's tragic accident and untimely death. Fans may not be aware that Ryan was a father of four young children who were also injured in the crash. Scott Adams and I, as well as the entire World Extreme Cagefighting staff were devastated by the news and the thought of his wife and children facing a future without Ryan. Because of this dire situation, we would like to announce, in conjunction with the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore California a benefit show produced by World Extreme Cagefighting and aired on National Television on HDNet. The show will take place on July 28th and will feature fighters from across the nation. All proceeds from this event, and I mean 100% will be donated to Ryan's wife Tonya and his four children to hopefully assist in their recovery from this tragedy. All fighters will receive $100 for their fight. The fights will be considered exhibitions so your record won't be affected, your fight will be broadcast nationwide on HDNet in high definition and the world will know what kind of heart you have. All travel will be paid for as well as accommodations by WEC. Matches will be based on the approval of both camps and/or fighters. Fighters, please let us know if you would like to participate. Lets show the world what we in MMA can do if we put our minds to it. Lets show the world that we take care of our own. Many big names have already stepped up....we will be announcing this on the forums as we put our card together. Also, those who partici;pate will be given priority in upcoming WEC events.
Ryan was completely committed to making MMA a better sport for all of us, lets repay his memory and do something good in this sometimes unfair life that we live. To insure accountability, all monies collected will be monitored by the casino staff as well as a member of Ryan's family. Scott Adams and I, our staff, our commentators, our referees, our judges and doctors have all agreed to donate our time and skills and money to help the Bennett family, can we count on you too? Most of you know how to get a hold of us, if you don't, please either leave your name and email on the forum or email us at mhenricks@yahoo.com

Bless you all and lets make a statement to the world about what kind of people are truly involved in MMA.

I also wanted to include this statement from Christian Printup of the Tachi Palace. He has spearheaded this event and was able to add this show on what is a very busy schedule for the casino. Please, let him know how you feel about him and The Tachi Palace, the Tribe and Tribal Council agreeing to allow us to us their facility for free! That is a really huge commitment for a casino to make in order to help the family of someone involved in events at their facility.

Statement from The staff at The Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino:

"Over the past four plus years our staff enjoyed working with and learning from Ryan tremendously. His great love and respect for mixed martial arts was equaled by an unparalleled level of professionalism and things will never be the same without him. Our prayers remain with his family during this tragic time. We hope everyone will support this event and contribute to Ryan's fund."

Christian Printup, Director of Entertainment Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

[Luis Cruz]

On all accounts, that is awesome. WEC paying for fighters travel expenses and the whole show and paying each fighter $100! They aren't making any profit from this being that all proceeds go to Ryan's family. That is a very classy move by the WEC and any and all fighters who fight on this card for $100. Big kudos to everyone involved! I wish we could put something together to donate to his family from MMANews.com but i don't know how to set something like that up. That's going to be extremely hard for his wife with 4 kids let alone while she's recovering herself from all the surgeries. Even if we can't do it as one, i'll be donating some money when i get paid this week, i'm not rich but i can give something.

[Anthony]

One guy on UG even offered to pay his own way to get there if the airline ticket money was given to the Bennett family.

[NinjaShogunRua]

WEC rules. They are really a class act over there. I hope some decent fighters step up and make it a good show. I'm glad I have HDNet and will be able to see this event.