Media Room
Press Releases
UFC Former Heavyweight Champion and Fan Favorite Andrei Arlovski to Embark on USO Tour to Japan and Visit Troops |
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 1, 2008 – Mixed martial arts fighter Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski will embark on his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour in Japan August 5-13. Visiting the region to extend his heartfelt gratitude and boost troop morale, Arlovski will also demonstrate fighting techniques, share his experiences battling some of today’s toughest competitors and sign autographs.
A supporter of the U.S. military, Arlovski and mixed martial arts champion Tito Ortiz were among the first UFC fighters to visit Marines and Sailors at Camp Pendleton in California. Following their lead, UFC fighters Randy "The Natural" Couture, Kendall "Da Spyder" Grove, Brandon "The Truth" Vera and Dean "The Boogeyman" Lister also visited the base.
“I feel privileged to go overseas and meet and greet America’s troops,” says Arlovski. “I never would have imagined that my success in the MMA world would have led to the opportunity to participate in a USO tour. I look forward to talking to troops, helping boost morale and teach some techniques I have learned over the years.”
Considered one of the top five heavyweight fighters in the world, Arlovski holds notable wins over such fighters as former UFC champion Tim Sylvia, former Cage Rage champ Ian Freeman and three-time world jiu-jitsu champion Fabricio Werdum. Weighing in at 240 lbs. and standing at six feet four inches tall, Arlovski began his career in mixed martial arts at the age of 19. He later made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut at UFC 28: High Stakes where he defeated Aaron Brink. After recently leaving the UFC, Arlovski inked a three-fight contract with Affliction. In his first fight, he defeated top-ranked heavyweight fighter (and former IFL standout) Ben Rothwell in electrifying fashion. The fight ended Rothwell’s 13-fight winning streak and was his first defeat in more than three years.
In times of peace and war, the USO consistently delivers its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women. USO tours are essential to fulfilling the USO's mission of boosting troop morale. In 2007, the USO produced 74 tours and staged 453 special events, to include music and comedy concerts, autograph signings, hospital visits and movie screenings.
AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours. For a list of recent USO tours visit http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment. To find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.
About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.uso.org.
Contact: Oname Thompson, (703) 908-6471
othompson@uso.org