IBY MMA League Promotes Sport as an Antidote to Youth Violence

Israel’s IBY MMA league is positioning mixed martial arts as a constructive outlet for teenagers amid a worrying rise in youth violence. The league says the problem is growing both in and out of schools, and argues that boredom, lack of structure and not having a clear goal can push teens toward harmful behavior. Its answer is a competitive sports framework that gives boys a place to release energy, compete, develop, and earn recognition for excellence, persistence and discipline instead of aggression.

The league pointed to a recent bout between two 15-year-olds, Shaked Bitton and Sandro Kraslidze, as an example of how competition can create connection rather than hostility. The fight, held in the IBY league, was their second meeting, and the buildup included trash talk. Sandro lost this time, after winning their previous bout. Despite the rivalry, the two are now close friends and train together at Alit Fighters Israel under coach Yuval Sesportes.

IBY CEO Nir Azoulay said, “We see MMA as a first-rate educational tool. In a country where youth violence is a troubling and expanding phenomenon, we believe teenagers need a goal, a framework, and something positive to strive for. At IBY we are building a platform that rewards persistence, discipline and excellence, not violence and negative behavior. The story of Shaked and Sandro proves that even sporting rivalry can end in respect, friendship and real connection.”

Bitton said school violence does not solve problems and that MMA teaches rules, discipline and respect for an opponent. Kraslidze said it is better to channel aggression through sport than into street fights, adding that he knows violent teens who could use MMA to move in a better direction.