Fighters Against Opioids

Knock Out Directed by: Paul "Paulie" Gavoni, Ed.D., BCBA-D

​Say No to Drugs. Say yes to life.
Awareness Is Prevention.
Let’s knock this out.

Mission

Knock Out is a high-impact initiative under the Opioid Awareness Foundation, uniting the world of combat sports - MMA fighters, boxers, and trainers - in the fight against the opioid, fentanyl, and other dangerous drug crises.

By leveraging the universal language of combat sports and the spirit of the fighter, the program empowers athletes and fans to become messengers of prevention, awareness, and healing.
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Led by Dr. Paulie Gavoni, a renowned behavioral scientist and performance coach with deep roots in the combat sports community, Knock Out combines scientific insight and the warrior spirit to save lives.

Goals

• Raise awareness within combat sports communities across the U.S. and globally
  
• Educate fighters, coaches, and fans on the deadly risks of opioids, fentanyl, and all harsh drugs.
  
• Identify early signs of addiction and create pathways to recovery
  
• Mobilize athletes as ambassadors for prevention in schools, reservations, and at-risk communities
  
• Promote awareness as prevention—because education, visibility, and open dialogue are the strongest tools to stop addiction before it starts.
  
• Advocate for plant-based, holistic alternatives as safer, natural options for pain management and healing
  

Knock Out is not just a program - it’s a resurgence of the warrior spirit in combat sports.
This is about more than sports. It’s about honoring our fighters, protecting our communities, and saving lives.

​This is a war on humanity and we will fight to win.

Highlights