Israeli MMA Fighter Challenges UFC's Belal Muhammad Over Anti-Israel Remarks

Israeli MMA fighter Moshe Eldad, the CFFC champion, has issued a public challenge to UFC fighter Belal Muhammad after Muhammad expressed a desire to fight Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eldad, who won his championship belt in May, responded to Muhammad's statement by tagging him on social media and proposing a fight.

"He is too busy defeating Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, but I am here to fight. I am interested in a fight, let's make it happen this December," Eldad posted, referencing Israel's ongoing conflicts.

In a recent interview with Sport 5, Eldad elaborated on his stance, suggesting that anti-Israel sentiment is an easy way for individuals to gain notoriety. "We constantly see people who want to get famous quickly, and the easiest way today is to be anti-Israel," Eldad stated. He added that in their sport, such talk can be met with physical consequences. "At least in our sport, they can get a punch in the face for these words. I hope it happens. You want to talk dirty? No problem, back up your words. I am here to fight."

The MMA world has seen instances of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment among fighters, a phenomenon Eldad believes is becoming increasingly common.