I’m heading to North Carolina this week for the UFC Fight Night for the Troops, which should be a pretty cool event. It’s a free card on Spike on Wednesday night tied in with fundraising efforts for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

The fund is designing and building the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an advanced facility dedicated to research, diagnosis and treatment of military personnel and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI).

I spoke with Spike TV president Kevin Kay about the event and he acknowledged the sagging economy could affect the fundraising goals but stressed that fans should give what they can.

“If it’s a dollar, five dollars, give whatever you can, every little bit will help,” he said. “We’re trying to build a hospital for guys who fight for our freedom every day. MMA fans are incredibly passionate for the sport and respect the military and its importance.”