UFC Fighters Visit Yokosuka, Put On Mixed Martial Arts Clinic
Story and photo by MC3 Andrew Ryan Smith,
Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan


(Right) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Dustin Hazelett shakes hands with a Sailor during a meet and greet event at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Commodore Matthew Perry General Mess Aug. 16. The UFC fighters are visiting U.S. service members stationed in Japan as part of a Navy Entertainment tour.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters Dustin Hazelett, Rich Franklin and Joe Stevenson visited with Sailors at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Aug. 16.

The Navy Entertainment sponsored event included ship tours, a meet and greet and a mixed martial arts (MMA) clinic. “I’m a big fan, so I had to check out the fighters and get their autographs,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Mawbub Ahmed, a crew member of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). “I appreciate these guys coming out here and I can’t wait to see them in action later.”

The fighters instructed an MMA clinic, which helped almost 100 Sailor-fans learn and practice technique with professionals. During the demonstration, the fighters walked participants through the many holds and grappling moves used during their fights.

Known for their athleticism and uncommon physical and mental toughness, the hardened fighters displayed a friendly and appreciative side to forward-deployed fans.

“We have such a big fan base in the military and they do such a great job supporting the UFC,” said UFC fighter Rich Franklin. “I feel an obligation to come here and give something back to the troops who work so hard to protect us all.”

Franklin is not a newcomer to touring with service members. In 2006, he visited troops in Iraq and two years later, he visited with Sailors and Marines deployed in the Persian Gulf. He has also spent time with wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Hospital on several occasions.

After signing hundreds of autographs and posing for dozens of photos, the fighters were given a tour of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), which is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka.

“How many people can say they have been on a Navy ship?” Dustin Hazelett asked. “It was a cool experience.”

During their 10-day tour, the fighters will visit various military installations to meet and talk with forward-deployed service members.