UFC Stars, George Takei and AFAN Celebrates 30 Years in Las Vegas

Vanessa Hanson, Chrissy Blair and Brittney Palmer at Hyde Bellagio.
Vanessa Hanson, Chrissy Blair and Brittney Palmer at Hyde Bellagio.

Photo Credit: Hyde Bellagio

UFC fighters Julianna Peña and Uriah Hall capped of a UFC weekend in Las Vegas with a fight night after-party at Hyde Bellagio with MMA ring girls Brittney Palmer, Chrissy Blair and Vanessa Hanson.

The group sat at a VIP table while Hyde’s servers greeted them with flashing lights and bottles of bubbly to commemorate the night. Fans gathered around the tables trying to catch a glimpse of the UFC fighters and MMA ring girls as the group toasted to an unforgettable UFC 202 fight.

Brad Altman, Rod Roddenberry and George Takei go weightless.
Brad Altman, Rod Roddenberry and George Takei go weightless.

Photo Credit: Al Powers
George Takei goes weightless
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise on Star Trek, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the show in zero gravity last week. Weightless flight provider Zero Gravity Corporation joined Roddenberry Adventures to offer George a special opportunity to boldly go where no other Star Trek crew member had gone before: floating in zero gravity.

Fans got to meet and take pictures with the original Sulu before taking to the sky. During each period of weightlessness, Takei floated effortlessly through the plane, performing flips with ease and proudly flashing the Vulcan salute with fellow passengers. Takei said the experience is something he’d love to do again and is even planning on using one of the flight photos in his Christmas card.

Magicians Penn & Teller
Magicians Penn & Teller

Photo Credit: Tonya Harvey
AFAN turns 30
Nearly 4,000 guests dressed in their best black and white fashions at Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s (AFAN) 30th annual Black & White Party held at Aria on Saturday night, raising more than $140,000 to benefit AFAN’s advocacy for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Host of Mondays Dark Mark Shunock and the bearded lady of Las Vegas Norma Llyaman introduced live performances from Human Nature, Cirque du Soleil, 53X and a surprise flash mob by local non-profit dance troupe Culture Shock. Longtime AFAN supporters Penn & Teller made an appearance along with Absinthe’s Melody Sweets, Claire Sinclair and Carrot Top.

Stilt walkers looked the part in mime-inspired attire and guests were greeted with a floor-to-ceiling installment of a red ribbon before heading into the party.