The UFC’s latest team-up might be their softest yet—literally. The fight world, which is known for knockouts and championship grit, paused for something a little warmer. On May 20, fans saw a new side of the promotion when Merab Dvalishvili, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Casey O’Neill walked out of the Octagon and into a shelter to spread love—and possibly get licked in the face a few times.
At the Nevada SPCA, the fighters weren’t there for a publicity gimmick. They were truly present in the moment, holding rescue kittens, caressing giant dogs, and chasing the more active ones around the yard. Sharing their adorable pictures, the UFC captioned their Instagram post: “Our hearts are FULL We stopped by our friends at @Nevada.SPCA to spend some time with all of their adoptable pets! Help support their mission today! Donations from people like you help keep their doors open!” The joy on Merab Dvalishvili’s face as he sat with a doggo said more than any fight promo could.
The event was more than simply a photo opportunity; it was also a sincere call to action. By visiting the Nevada SPCA, the UFC hoped to highlight the necessity of adopting shelter pets and the continued need for donations to keep such institutions open. After all, many people forget that these animals are fighters, too. As they’ve come through hardship, abandonment, and illness, all they want now is a second chance.
This is something UFC fighters, many of whom have overcome hardship, clearly understand. While this may appear to be a sweet side note from their regular programming, this type of effort is vital to the UFC’s overall objectives. The UFC Foundation, founded in 2021, has supported causes ranging from children’s hospitals to military veteran support programs.
They’ve raised funds through partner campaigns, created fitness centers on military bases, and annually recognize community service champions with the Forrest Griffin Community Award. Dana White may manage the most brutal sport on the planet, but he has made giving back part of the brand’s DNA.
So when Merab Dvalishvili, who is usually a whirlwind inside the cage, is seen calmly cradling a rabbit, or Khalil Rountree Jr. is photographed with a peaceful rescue dog, it is not coincidental. It serves as a reminder that these fighters, as well as the promotion, are built on more than simply wins and titles. And if this visit helps even one animal find a home, this fluffy detour could be one of the UFC’s most effective punches of the year. In fact, it already has fans and entities like Megan Olivi talking about it.
The UFC earns massive respect through the new collaboration
That emotional tsunami quickly spread within the UFC community. Megan Olivi, who has been the heart and soul of UFC storytelling for years, was among the first to comment, saying, “So good! .” Her words were brief, but the message was powerful—when someone like Olivi, who knows the sport inside and out, is moved, it adds weight.
Gillian Robertson followed with a waterfall of heart-eye emojis—“”—a reply that spoke it all without words. Punahele Soriano added his own spice to the moment, joking, “I’m the biggest dog lover in the UFC, @kingcaseymma. You’re taking everything I worked for,” he joked, mocking Casey O’Neill for stealing his thunder when it comes to dog-loving. It was a genuine UFC moment: fighters bonding over animals rather than cage wars.
However, it was not limited to fighters and insiders. Fans turned out in large numbers. The comments poured in, repeating a common tone of excitement and acceptance. “I love this collab so much,” one person said, and another declared it “MY FAVE UFC COLLAB BY FAR !! Please do more of these. ” These were not subtle nods but full-throated endorsements.
“So good to see a brand as big as @ufc getting behind this ,” another wrote in. Others simply applauded the promotion for helping rescue animals, writing, “Thank you for supporting and encouraging adoption!” For once, there were no disputes about rankings or superfights—only universal friendliness and a sense of shared humanity, which are uncommon in fight culture.
However, not everyone knew what to make of it. Some followers were confused by the shift in tone, which went from head kicks to head pats. “Why is Dana promoting UFC like this…ik it’s wholesome, but wtf,” one fan commented, reflecting the initial confusion. Another frankly expressed the sentiment: “What’s the point of this post and UFC?”
It’s a reasonable question in a sport based on chaos. But maybe that is the point. When something this calm and kind pops up in a timeline full of violence, it disrupts. And in doing so, it reminds everyone that even in a brutal sport, there is still room for compassion. What did you think of this collaboration? Let us know in the comments.
The post Merab Dvalishvili & Khalil Rountree Jr. Earn Respect From Megan Olivi as UFC’s New Mission Becomes Fans’ Favorite appeared first on EssentiallySports.