UFC Fighter Joseph Benavidez and wife, UFC Host and Reporter Megan Olivi, to Serve as Co-Chairs for 15th Annual “Best in Show” Event on Sunday, April 22
The Animal Foundation has announced that UFC fighter Joseph Benavidez, the #1 ranked flyweight in the world, and his wife Megan Olivi, host and reporter for the UFC, have joined The Animal Foundation’s 2018 Best in Show as co-chairs.
Contestant Bogo greets excited spectators during 11th Annual “Best in Show”
Benavidez and Olivi will work together to organize the 2018 Best in Show Committee. Best in Show in is the premier fundraising and offsite dog-adoption event for The Animal Foundation, with 100% of proceeds going directly to support the many lifesaving programs at the shelter.
Benavidez and Olivi are proud Las Vegas residents who have been married since 2015. For almost a decade, Benavidez has been a perennial contender at both bantamweight and flyweight. Olivi works as a host and reporter for the UFC, during which fight broadcasts she can be seen hosting the pre- and post-show or serving as the backstage reporter, interviewing fighters before and after they compete. Benavidez and Olivi have a five-year-old Maltese-Yorkie mix named Benny, who they say is the king of their household.
Said Benavidez, “Megan and I are thrilled to serve as this year’s co-chairs for The Animal Foundation’s Best in Show event. As proud Las Vegas Residents and dog lovers, we are honored to help with the adoptions of some wonderful shelter animals. Added Olivi, “The money raised during Best in Show will go directly to help fund the Animal Foundation’s variety of lifesaving programs. The work they do is so important – by serving as co-chairs for Best in Show, we’re looking forward to raising much-needed funds while hosting this great event.”
Each year during Best in Show, shelter dogs from The Animal Foundation strut their stuff on the carpet and compete in a variety of categories including small, medium, large, variety pack, puppies and special needs. Finalists are determined by a judging panel of Las Vegas television news personalities. Only one pooch will be crowned “Best in Show,” but all the cuddly canine participants will be available for adoption following the event.
Christine Robinson, Chief Executive Officer for The Animal Foundation, said, “We have always acknowledged that the most successful events are the result of a perfect partnership between the unique expertise of our staff and a passionate Committee with relationships beyond those of the organization. We are thrilled to have Joseph and Megan on board as part of our dedicated and committed group of community leaders to assist in those areas where they bring specific value to the effort.”
The 2018 Best in Show event will take place on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at the Thomas & Mack Center at 4505 S. Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas. For information on sponsorship opportunities and purchasing tickets, visit animalfoundation.com.