Ilai Barzilai set for homecoming fight against former UFC veteran in Tel Aviv
Israeli MMA fighter Ilai Barzilai is set to return to action after a frustrating stretch in which two of his fights were canceled at the last minute. He will face Brazilian Lucas Almeida, a former UFC fighter, at the GFN event on July 27, 2026, at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv.
For Barzilai, the matchup is being framed as a major chance to fight in front of a home crowd after a long wait. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans and is being billed as one of the biggest combat sports shows held in Israel in recent years.
Almeida is described as an experienced Brazilian with a reputation for aggression and high finishing ability, both standing and on the ground. Barzilai said in an interview with C14 that this is “the perfect timing to fulfill a dream and come to Israel to fight in front of 10,000 people,” adding that it would also be his path toward a UFC contract if he beats a fighter who had just left the promotion.
He also said, “There is no better way to prove to them what they basically already know,” and predicted, “I am already starting to imagine thousands there chanting my name after I knock him out.” Barzilai called it possibly “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” and said the event could be the biggest combat sports event ever in Israel, and perhaps a one-off. The article also says members of the Gordon family are expected to take part in the event.
