By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report
Can you remember the last time 45 minutes made a difference? What could you do in less than an hour, that would matter on a grand scale? When it comes to children, 45 minutes can make a lifetime of difference. For a child who has spent his life in constant pain, 45 minutes can inspire a smile. For his parents, that relief although temporary, is priceless!
Houston Alexander is a 41 year old Mixed Martial Artist, known to the masses for his tenure with the UFC, where he fought the likes of Keith Jardine, Kimbo Slice, Thiago Silva, Alessio Sakara and James Irvin. Alexander is known for his devastating punching power, his lighting fast hands, and his ominous demeanor.
Donny Caffey Jr, is a young gladiator from Babylon NY. I know his family well, both his uncle and his father are physical specimens, and were always gifted athletes. Donny, however is tougher than both of them. Without getting into too much detail, Donny has lived most of his young life in pain due to chronic hip ailment that has required multiple surgeries. Living in constant agony, Donny has approached this adversity, like the fighters he watches. He takes his lumps, has small victories, and always keeps moving forward.
Knowing he was coming off yet another surgery, we asked the fighters at Bellator 99 to sign the fight card for him. Anything to inspire a smile. Everyone was more than eager to do so, Main Event winner Patricio Pitbull signed a glove, however Houston Alexander had other plans.
“Look man, Autographs are nice, but what do you say we give Donny a call!” Said Alexander. “Calling Donny, that is how we can make a difference!”Alexander, knows better than most about making a difference, being a single father of six children, he has learned to juggle his primary obligations with his training regimen.
With that we exchanged information, and I contacted Donny’s family.
True to his word Houston Alexander made that phone call. For 45 minutes the two spoke. What they spoke about exactly, matters, but its not important to anyone but Donny and Houston. Even his father seemed surprised. ” I don’t know what he said, but right now my son is on his crutches, punching the speed bag!” Don Caffey Sr said.
Houston Alexander may be known for his I.Q. changing right hand, but he is defined by his actions outside of the cage. In a world of questionable role models, Alexander sets the bar petty high. Mr Alexander is a Father first, and an ambassador of good will, that also happens to knock people out!
Authors Note: Thank you to Houston Alexander and his management team for organizing the call. Also, Thank you to Anthony Mazzuca and Bjorn Rebney for allowing us access to the extremely generous Bellator MMA Fighters. Any other fighters wishing to send Donny best wishes can email us at news@theclinchreport.com
THE CLINCH REPORT 
What a thoughtful and moving article. It should get to a wider audience to promote MMA. Mr. Alexander did a simple but beautiful thing but you got the thing started. You continue to give me many reasons to be proud of you.
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Thanks!
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I have the privilege of seeing Mr Alexander on a weekly basis where he trains. He routinely stops to encourage and talk to the kids and beginners in the gym. He takes the time to notice people and his sincerity is obvious. His actions define his person. I feel very fortunate to know him.
Dr. Brian Conroy
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I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with the man! He went out of his way for a young kid in pain, that is what being selfless is all about! Thank you for reading!
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Thank YOU for your generosity and giving. You in yourself are a gift. Someone who was touched by your story to Donny. TKS.
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Nothing to thank us for. We look at the world the way everyone should. no kid should suffer, ever, If we helped ease that, for just a second…Then for that second, we feel good too! Thanks for saying such nice words.
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