In the wake of Hurricane Helene, amateur bare-knuckle fighter Chachi Versace is facing an unexpected fight—one that has nothing to do with the ring. The hurricane, which ravaged homes and upended lives across the region, left Chachi’s house severely damaged by floodwaters. His family, already navigating the challenges of a strained economy, lost nearly everything they owned, including irreplaceable sentimental items and memories.
“I didn’t expect it to be this bad,” Chachi shared in an emotional interview outside his home. “We evacuated, but when we came back, it was devastating. Water levels rose to 4.5 feet, and everything was underwater. We lost nearly all of our belongings—our baby’s birthday gifts, family photos—it’s heartbreaking.”
Chachi, who was at his parents' house when the flooding occurred, had to return with a rescue boat to save his mother-in-law, who lives next door. "It was like something out of a movie," he said, recalling the moment he realized how bad the flooding had become. Despite the chaos, Chachi has maintained a strong and resilient attitude, fueled by the need to provide for his family.
“As a father and the sole breadwinner, I work two jobs just to make ends meet. Now, with the added burden of recovering from this disaster, it’s been mentally tough. Some mornings, I’m in the garage crying before I head off to work. But I don’t have time to dwell. I’ve got to keep moving forward.”
Chachi’s story has struck a chord within the bare-knuckle fighting community, with many offering their support. The outpouring of donations and assistance has overwhelmed him, emotionally and physically. Notably, BKFC President Dave Feldman pledged to double all donations made to Chachi, showing that the fight community is more than just competitors—it’s a family.
“I knew the community would show up,” Chachi said. “I’ve always tried to help others, so it’s touching to see the love and support coming back to me. Dave’s donation blew me away, and I’m grateful beyond words. I’ll never forget what the bare-knuckle family has done for me.”
Despite the kindness of others, Chachi is still working as hard as ever. "I'm not the type to just take without giving back," he explained. In fact, after Feldman’s generous contribution, Chachi took a day off from his own recovery efforts to assist Feldman’s family, ensuring that his gratitude wasn’t just words but action.
Matthew Seibel, owner of Knuckletown Official, expressed his admiration for Chachi’s resilience and dedication. “Chachi has been an integral part of Knuckletown, and we’ve loved working with him—especially during his interviews with fighters like Mike Perry. He’s a true example of strength and community spirit. We’re rallying behind him because we know he’d do the same for any of us.”
Chachi’s journey to recovery is far from over, but with the unwavering support of the fight community and his own indomitable will, there’s no doubt he will rise above this tragedy.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported me during this tough time,” Chachi concluded. “It means the world to me, and I promise I’ll keep pushing forward. We’ll come out of this stronger.”
For those looking to contribute, donations are still being accepted to help Chachi and his family rebuild their lives. Chachi Versace’s story serves as a reminder of the power of community and resilience, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
To Donate please go to this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-taylor-and-greg-rebuild-their-lives-after-hurricane
Knuckletown Official will continue to cover his journey, providing updates and opportunities for further support from the bare-knuckle community and beyond.
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