MMA

Israel and Colombia announce visa exemption, Trump declares 'Economic D-Day' on Iran

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs - the top stories, clear and concise.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023.
Ido Amiaz loses by TKO to Shimon Smotritsky in an unofficial boxing match in Tel Aviv after issuing a challenge to fight Zionists. August 18, 2026.

‘Come fight me Zios’: Anti-Israel influencer's boxing challenge ends in 40-second TKO

“So, this is an open invitation. Write me a DM, and we meet here in Tel Aviv. I’m waiting. B***h,” Amiaz said in an Instagram challenge.

|BySAM HALPERN
Israeli mixed martial arts fighter Natan Levy is part of a sport that is antisemitic, with many fans or fighters embracing antisemitic ideologies and rhetoric, he says.

Amid rising antisemitism, MMA fighter Natan Levy teaches Jews to defend themselves

DIASPORA AFFAIRS: After competing in the mixed martial arts ring for almost a decade, Natan Levy tells the Post his current goal is to help strengthen the Jewish people.

|ByMICHAEL STARR
Sean Pero, 26, an Israeli Druze fighter, is rising in the mixed martial arts world who has his sights set on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and, eventually, a world title.PremiumPremium

'I'm Israeli first': Druze fighter Sean Pero set his sights on the UFC

Israeli-Druze MMA rising star Sean Pero is chasing UFC gold while redefining identity, belonging, and representation inside and outside the cage

|BySAM HALPERN

Israel and Bahrain to cooperate on MMA event in Tel Aviv

The event under the tagline "Fighting for Peace" will feature Israeli and Bahraini fighters competing against fighters from around the globe.

DECEMBER 24, 2022ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
MMA fighter Haim Gozali and the Bahraini embassador.

Jerry Maguire, Stuart Little child star unrecognizable as MMA fighter

Former child actor, Jonathan Lipnicki, is completely unrecognizable in new Instagram posts.

AUGUST 11, 2022ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Actor Jonathan Lipnicki attends The Creative Coalition's First Party in Washington, DC, January 20, 2001.

Actors volunteer to escort LA Jews to synagogue

Actors Jonathan Lipnicki and Remi Franklin have teamed up to use their martial arts skills to protect the Orthodox Jews of Los Angeles.

JULY 29, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Jonathan Lipnicki on Birthright, Summer 2017.

Racing Mindset Gives David Roberts an Edge in MMA and Boxing

MARCH 31, 2021BySARAH GOLDMAN

Noad Lahat: The first Israeli MMA fighter to battle on Arab soil

Lahat said he is proud to represent his country and isn’t worried if fans don’t cheer for him and he is confident he will win.

MARCH 10, 2021ByALAN ZEITLIN
NOAD LAHAT: I love Israel

Israeli MMA fighter Haim Gozali wins in dramatic comeback

Only seconds into the second round, Gozali sent his opponent to the canvas, nailing him with a right that hit McAllister’s left ear.

FEBRUARY 11, 2021ByALAN ZEITLIN
HAIM GOZALI (right) defeated John McAllister in his debut fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Knucklemania last Friday night.

Israeli MMA fighter Natan Levy defied odds to enter the UFC

Now he wants to break stereotypes.

JANUARY 5, 2021ByELIE BLEIER
Natan Levy proudly shows an Israeli flag before his matches.

Israeli MMA fighter’s future looks bright with the modern-day Maccabee

With new UFC contract, 29-year-old Natan Levy reflects on journey from France to the octagon

DECEMBER 10, 2020ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
NATAN LEVY is proud to represent Israel and will become only the third blue-and-white athlete to reach the UFC, mixed martial arts’ most famous competition.

‘Big Bad’ Olga: An Israeli fighter who doesn’t give up

Olga Rubin, 31, became a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter at the age of 26, six months after the birth of her son.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020ByRUBENS ZADEL
Olga Rubin: It’s 50/50, no matter who I’m up against

Dana White: UFC 249 off after ESPN pulls plug

The UFC had already postponed events scheduled for March 21 and 28 and April 11 due to the pandemic.

APRIL 11, 2020ByREUTERS
MMA: UFC 246-McGregor vs Cerrone