Ilai Barzilai’s LFA 235 Main Event Is Canceled, and He Warns the Next Opponent

Israeli fighter Ilai Barzilai suffered another setback when his scheduled main event at LFA 235 was officially canceled after no replacement opponent could be found. The American promotion’s event was set for June 19, and Barzilai had been expected to headline the card.

His original opponent, Landry Ward, withdrew because of a skin infection. Over the past few days, the organization tried to line up a short-notice substitute, but despite contacting several fighters, none agreed to face the Israeli.

In a special interview with C14, Barzilai said the repeated cancellations have not shaken his confidence. “All my competitors know what the world already knows, and what you have known for years,” he said. “They see my Israeli fighting spirit and understand that I belong in the big league in the world and that I deserve to be there.”

He said he believes the latest disappointment will lead to something better. “It’s another cancellation, and another cancellation, but I am a person who believes and knows that everything happens for a good reason,” Barzilai said. “I am sure something bigger and better is waiting for me. Since the cancellation was announced, my team has already been looking at options and working on significant moves. God willing, very big news is expected in the coming days.”

Barzilai also sent a warning to whoever accepts him next: “The next opponent who faces me will get all the anger I have built up over the past year because of all the cancellations. He will be in a very big problem, pray for him.” He said he will return to training immediately and thanked the people of Israel and Channel 14 viewers for their support.