UFC Fighter Mike "The Wolverine" Rio Signs Signature Shirt Deal to Support Autism Speaks

PRESS RELEASE (Miami, FL)- Mike “The Wolverine” Rio, a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter Live recently closed a signature shirt deal with Knights of the Octagon (KOTO), a MMA radio talk show. The co-branded shirt is a result of weeks of discussions between Knights of the Octagon and Rio's management team who dreamed up the deal after the KOTO hosts were touched by Rio's life story and support of Autism Speaks.
Rio who is coming off a 3rd round submission win vs John Cofer at the TUF 16 Finale recently sat down with the up-and- coming radio show to discuss his career, life and brother who suffers from Autism. “We were so impressed by this guy,” said Mike Whittles, a KOTO host and part-owner of the show. “We gave him an open platform to discuss whatever he wanted and he was so genuine and humble, and he used the time to discuss his brother's condition and his efforts to raise money for organizations that support Autism research like Autism Speaks.”
A member of the KOTO hosting staff whose son also suffers with Autism was touched and wanted to assist Rio in spreading the word about the disease which affects 1 in 88 newborns and approximately 1.5 million Americans. Since then, the two began discussing how they could work together for the cause.
For years, Rio has made Autism Awareness bracelets and sold them at his fights with 100% of the proceeds going toward Autism Speaks. “I'm not afraid to tell people about my brother and how this condition has affected us,” said Rio. “I want to spread awareness about this issue to help other families going through the same thing and help educate people so they know how to react when they encounter someone with Autism.”
“When the KOTO guys brought up doing a signature shirt where a portion of the proceeds would go towards Autism Speak I was all about it!” said Rio.
“We wanted to do something that would market Rio and the new KOTO brand while supporting a cause we both shared,” indicated Whittles. “We called Mike's manager and she said 'Let's make it happen'.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Knights of the Octagon toward such a great cause,” said Tina Vidal- Smith, Rio's manager. “It is really important for all of us to give back when we have been given so much.”
The shirt which will feature Rio's signature Wolverine claws along with the KOTO logo will go on sale at the end of the month at www.knightsoftheoctagon.com. 50% of Rio's proceeds from the sale of the shirt will be donated to Autism Speaks and KOTO will be making an undisclosed donation to the organization as well.
Follow Mike Rio on Facebook @MikeRio, on his fan page “Mike Rio “The Wolverine” or on Twitter @MikeRioMMA. Follow Knights of the Octagon on Facebook @KnightsoftheOctagon or on Twitter @siraxman and @vaderloveswdw and listen to them live every Wednesday at 9:00 pm ET.