Thiago Alves in the Running for peta2 Award

UFC Fighter Nominated for ‘Most Likely to Kick Butt for Animals’

For Immediate Release:
December 3, 2014

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

With a stunning peta2 ad and an undefeated streak since his return to the UFC this year, fighter Thiago “The Pitbull” Alves is a champion both in and out of the ring. And now Alves—along with scores of businesses, musicians, athletes, and others—is up for a Libby Award from peta2, PETA’s youth division. Now in its ninth year, the Libby Awards (“Libby” is for “liberation,” as in animal liberation) includes a record 26 categories, and Alves may take home the award for Most Likely to Kick Butt for Animals. Visitors to peta2.com can cast their votes to help peta2 decide whom it should choose as the Libby Award winners and enter for a chance to win a giant Libby prize pack filled with goodies from last year’s winners, including a cookbook, personal-care products, and vegan treats.

“Thiago Alves is a passionate, outspoken advocate for animals, and that makes him a champion in our book,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “All of peta2’s nominees are winners because they’re inspiring young people across the country to get active for animals every chance they get.”

Earlier this year, Alves starred in a peta2 campaign that stated that people should “never be silent” and should always report cruelty to animals, including suspected dogfighting.

Also up for the award are pro wrestler Austin Aries, Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and pro surfer Tia Blanco. Other Libby Award categories include Best Use of Internet Stardom for Animals, Best Vegan Makeover, and Best New Vegan Food Item. Voting ends on December 12 at 12 p.m. EST. Winners will be chosen by peta2—whose motto reads, “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way”—based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced on December 16. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to cast your vote to help peta2 decide whom it should choose as Libby Award winners, please visit peta2.com or click here.