Professional fighting world helps raise money for UFC star's missing stepdaughter's reward

Aniah Haley Blanchard was reported missing by her family on Oct. 24.

November 1, 2019, 12:45 PM

The professional fighting world is helping raise reward money for a UFC fighter's stepdaughter who disappeared nearly 10 days ago. Crime Stoppers said the total amount of rewards offered is now $105,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) in the disappearance of Aniah Haley Blanchard.

Blanchard, a 19-year-old Alabama college student, was reported missing by her family on Oct. 24. She last communicated with a friend on Oct. 23, just before midnight, according to authorities.

Police said evidence in the teen's car, which was found abandoned near an apartment complex in Montgomery, Alabama, on Oct. 25, indicates "she was harmed and is considered to be a victim of foul play," police said in a statement Thursday.

PHOTO:Police recovered a vehicle belonging to a missing Alabama college student Aniah Haley Blanchard, Oct. 25, 2019.
Police recovered a vehicle belonging to a missing Alabama college student Aniah Haley Blanchard, Oct. 25, 2019.
Auburn Police Department

Blanchard is also the stepdaughter of mixed martial arts competitor Walt Harris.

After UFC President Dana White pledged $25,000 toward the reward, UFC fighter Jon Jones wrote on Instagram Thursday: "add another 25,000 to that award."

CrimeStoppers has confirmed Dominance MMA founder Ali Abdelaziz is also contributing $25,000. An anonymous family from Homewood, Alabama, has offered a $25,000 reward, according to Montgomery Crime Stoppers. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey contributed $5,000 and an anonymous individual contributed $5,000 via the Auburn Police, according to Montgomery Crime Stoppers. Without mentioning a name, the organization said a pledged $5,000 donation was removed.

PHOTO: Aniah Haley Blanchard in an undated photo.
Aniah Haley Blanchard in an undated photo.
Auburn Police Department

"When you have children news like this is always heartbreaking, I can’t imagine what @thebigticket205 and his family are going through," Abdelaziz tweeted Thursday. "If anybody gives info that leads to Aniah Blanchard, I will reward them w $25,000."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Auburn Police at 334-501-3140, the anonymous tip line at 334-246-1391 or the 24-hour non-emergency number at 334-501-3100.