The UFC Fight for the Troops event raised more than $4 million for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and its new medical center to be built in Bethesda. In a recent news release, Bill White, President of the IFHF, said UFC and Spike TV should be applauded for their efforts.

"We are profoundly grateful to the UFC and Spike TV for their extraordinary support of our nation's Wounded Warriors,” White said. “Their efforts have moved us that much closer to complete the traumatic brain injury center in Bethesda for the service members that are fighting for our freedom overseas.”

According to the ratings, 2 million viewers watched the fight live on Spike TV and it was one of the most watched programs that night. So, how did this event come about?

Specifically, Arnold Fisher, vice chairman of the Fisher House, contacted Lorenzo Fetitta about raising money for the project (the two are old friends). But after talking with Dana White prior to the event, the seeds were planted even earlier.

“A few years ago, they invited us to a hospital in Texas for troops who have lost limbs and have been badly burned,” White said. “I went down and met some troops and was [expletive deleted] blown away. It was the most significant thing I had ever done in my life. I brought Mandy Moore down there and every time she came out of a room from meeting the troops, she was crying her eyes out. It [expletive deleted] her up. She said, “anytime you do this, don’t hesitate to call me.” We loved it, and got involved. When we heard they were building this new center, we jumped in and have done everything in our power to raise money because we know what worthy cause it is.”