VERNON, Conn. — A well-known mixed martial artist who continues to compete into his 40s and is known for promoting a lifestyle that prioritizes discipline over drug addiction will be making an appearance at the 2024 National Night Out celebration in Vernon.
The event will feature mixed martial arts legend and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira Help launch the town’s “Connections Beat Addiction” campaign to prevent opioid abuse.
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Teixeira is originally from Brazil and currently lives in the Danbury area and owns Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Bethel.
Vernon city officials said they are using some of the opioid settlement funds to create a comprehensive program to “engage people in constructive, meaningful and rewarding activities, build healthy relationships with others and reduce the use and abuse of opioids and other drugs.”
Vernon Town Administrator Michelle Parkaro said the campaign focuses on treatment, intervention, support for families affected by opioids, drug take-back events, harm reduction and collaboration with Vernon Public Schools.
Teixeira will be meeting fans, signing autographs and promoting the campaign at Vernon’s National Night Out event, and will also be sharing his own story at the event.
The event is scheduled for August 6th from 5-8pm at 20 East Main Street in the Rockville section of Vernon.
“This type of mixed martial arts fight requires extreme fitness and preparation, and it’s this type of inspiration that Glover is trying to (re)speak to as part of his campaign – to help young people understand that there are options other than turning to opioids and other types of drug abuse,” Parkaro said.
“This is a superhuman level of fitness and discipline,” he added.
Teixeira often cites the motto: “The pain of punishment is better than the pain of regret.”
Vernon has partnered with MMA competitor Rich St. Pierre, Terry Docuett, owner of East Coast Jiu-Jitsu & Cross Training in Manchester, and John Gagne of Secret Pages Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Toland, on the “Connection Beats Addiction” campaign.