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Welterweight Michel Prazeres tries to help his community protect themselves from the coronavirus in Belem, Brazil.
UFC welterweight Michel Prazeres is giving back to his community and making the most out of his time outside competition.
‘Trator’ decided to help out his home town of Belem, Brazil by handing out medical masks in order to protect them from the highly contagious coronavirus. In an interview with Globo Esporte, Prazeres explained that this was his way of giving back during these difficult times.
“These people really need this stuff. Hand sanitizers, gloves, they don’t have access to those things. Many times prices are really high because the demand is so high. Personally, I had to go to seven different drugstores until I found some. Thank God I have friends who have also donated and are helping my community.”
In Prazeres’ eyes, hard times like the coronavirus pandemic are when people should be more helpful to each other and try to their most to assist those in need, especially in a crisis such as this, where a person is only as protected as the ones around them.
“This is the time to share, to be selfless and not think only about yourself. Of course we think about ourselves, but we have to think about the common good. This is very important for everyone’s well-being. If everyone did as little as we’re doing, it would raise more awaraness. This situation will get better, I’m sure.”
Prazeres (26-3) tested positive for anabolic agents and has been suspended by USADA until March 2021. Prior to that, he dropped a unanimous decision to Ismail Naurdiev back in February 2019. The loss snapped an eight-fight winning streak for the 38-year-old, with wins over notable names such as Gilbert Burns and Josh Burkman, among others.