Neo-Nazi Fighter's Victory Marred by Swastika Display and Anti-Semitic Tirade
A mixed martial arts event held in Orlando, Florida, has drawn widespread condemnation following an antisemitic display during the competition and in the stands. Paul Nicolas Miller, a neo-Nazi known as "GypsyCrusader," defeated Israeli-American fighter and social media personality Ben Azulai via split decision. Immediately after the fight, Miller performed a Nazi salute twice. Upon being declared the winner, he used the arena's public address system to hurl an antisemitic slur at Azulai, calling him a "little, short, fucked up kike."
Footage circulating online shows a spectator unfurling a swastika flag, with others nearby joining in the salute. Arena staff confiscated the flag, and the spectator was removed from the venue. Several brawls also erupted among attendees during the evening. The fight was part of Duel Arena 1, a debut event featuring MMA, boxing, and kickboxing.
Miller, who sports a tattoo resembling an SS symbol on his chest, was previously sentenced to 41 months in prison in 2021 for federal firearms offenses. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a legally unregistered short-barreled rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found at his home. Before his arrest, he posted numerous anti-minority messages and advocated for a race-based civil war.
The Florida Holocaust Memorial and Education Center urged the event organizers to take responsibility for providing a platform to a known neo-Nazi. The City of Orlando's Venues Department, which operates the Kia Center, condemned the incidents but cited the First Amendment, stating it cannot deny event bookings based on ideology. They noted the flag was removed upon discovery and that procedures would be reviewed, but did not explain how the flag entered the arena or if Miller's background was vetted.
Organizers and the Florida Athletic Commission did not respond to inquiries. Kia, the naming rights holder, also issued a condemnation. Florida State Representative and mayoral candidate Anna Eskamani called for a review of public venue policies, while Republican Senator Rick Scott stated that "antisemitism has no place in Florida." Mayor Buddy Dyer added, "Symbols of hate, including a Nazi flag, were brought into the Kia Center. This is a disgraceful display, one that has no place here."
