Syrian and Lebanese Youth Fighters Boycott Israeli MMA Competitors at World Championship

The World MMA Championship for children and youth opened on August 17 in Abu Dhabi, featuring competitors aged 10 to 17 from over 130 countries. On the first day, dedicated to the 10-12 age group, Syrian and Lebanese fighters refused to face Israeli opponents in the ring. Eleven-year-old Harel Levi was scheduled to fight a Syrian competitor who declined to compete, granting Levi a technical victory and advancement to the semifinals, securing at least a bronze medal. Similarly, a Lebanese opponent refused to fight 12-year-old Ben Bitan, who also received a technical win. Additionally, Israeli competitor Karin Schwartz earned a bronze medal on the opening day.

The Israeli team comprises around 40 athletes participating until August 23. MMA Israel Federation President Ido Freinta expressed regret over athletes from countries that do not recognize Israel refusing to compete, calling it damaging to the sports experience for all involved. He affirmed the federation's commitment to proudly representing Israel and invited anyone willing to compete against Israelis to meet them in the center of the ring. Eric Kaplan, President and CEO of the Eilat Federation for Non-Olympic Sports, condemned the boycott, emphasizing the need for international sports bodies to enforce consequences for those refusing to compete against Israeli athletes. He praised the young Israeli fighters for representing their country with pride and wished the team success in the remainder of the championship.