Moldovan Fighter Maximus Benzhota Caught Stealing Before Losing to Ruach Hashem Gordon in Tel Aviv

A surprising incident emerged on Tuesday evening following the major fight event featuring the Gordon brothers at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv. According to a report on Channel 13's "HaTzinor," Moldovan fighter Maximus Benzhota was caught on security cameras stealing items from a Judaica shop in the Carmel Market shortly before his match against Ruach Hashem Gordon. Benzhota allegedly entered the store during the afternoon, took several magnets and other objects without paying, with the stolen goods valued at several hundred shekels.

The shop owner, Sharon Solimanzada, discovered the missing items the next day. She said her son recognized Benzhota on the store's surveillance footage as a fighter who participated in the arena event. Solimanzada expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the difficulty small businesses face and urging public awareness of the theft.

Hours after the theft, Benzhota fought Ruach Hashem Gordon in a tough match that ended with Gordon winning by judges' decision, marking his first victory on Israeli soil. The fight was part of the GFN event held for the first time in Israel, attended by around 11,000 spectators with all tickets sold out. The three Gordon brothers participated: Ruach Hashem fought Benzhota, Kibadi Gordon also competed, and Ahavat Hashem Gordon closed the event against Brazilian fighter John Linker.

Event organizers clarified that their responsibility for the fighters extends only to actions within the competition. They condemned any illegal acts inside or outside the ring, stating, "Our supervision of the fighters is limited to the competition itself."