Athletes from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) paid a visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Newark on Wednesday.

The athletes were there to offer positive words of encouragement and to teach the impact of making positive life choices.

“Something like this is bringing an event that's here and gonna take place in Newark to our children. Having it here, our children are able to connect with athletes. Have athletes tell them what they do besides being a part of the UFC and also just to engage with our kids,” says Cynthia Banks, vice president of operations at the Boys & Girls Club.

One of the fighters who took part in the event is Frankie Edgar, of Toms River. “I'm a Jersey guy, born and raised in New Jersey. Any time I can give back to the youth and make a little difference and try to influence some kids, I jump at that,” he says. “Such a good influence and to see the kids grow from it and get something out of it just makes it a lot much better."

Another fighter at the event was Erin Blanchfield, of Elmwood Park. "It's good for kids to see other people from the state doing things in sports or in other things in general. But it kinda gives them someone to look up to, someone to inspire to they can kinda look up to us and follow our path,” she says.

A UFC event will take place at the Prudential Center on Saturday. The headline event will be UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling defending his title against former champ Henry Cejudo.