Israeli Teen Ori Zerbal Wins Gold at MMA World Championship in Abu Dhabi

Israeli MMA athlete Ori Zerbal achieved a major milestone by winning the gold medal and becoming the under-18 world champion in the 74 kg category at the MMA World Championship held in Abu Dhabi. Zerbal secured his place in the final by winning three matches, two by judges' decision and one by submission, before defeating Russian competitor Maxim Skalozov in the final. This victory adds to Zerbal's previous international success, including a bronze medal at the European Championship. Zerbal expressed pride in representing Israel and highlighted his determination and peak physical condition throughout the competition.

In addition, Israeli competitor Yulia Shlezinger earned a bronze medal in the under-18 61 kg category. Shlezinger's path was marked by controversy when her opponent from the "Palestine" team refused to fight her due to her Israeli nationality, resulting in a technical win for Shlezinger. She later lost in the semifinals to Russia's Yulia Vasilizenko. Shlezinger criticized the politicization of sport but emphasized her pride in representing Israel and her focus on competition.

Ido Freinta, president of the Israeli MMA Federation, hailed the event as a historic moment for Israeli MMA, noting that six opponents boycotted matches against Israeli athletes, yet the team proudly played the Israeli national anthem and raised the flag on the world stage. Eric Kaplan, president and CEO of the "Eilat" Federation for Non-Olympic Sports, praised the athletes' achievements and condemned the introduction of politics and boycotts in youth sports, stressing the importance of respect and fairness in competition. Both officials celebrated the athletes' focus and success despite the challenges faced.