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.

 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

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

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


'It has turned into MMA': 23 red cards flashed in brutal Brazil cup final

A state cup final in Brazil descended into chaos as a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão produced a record 23 red cards and forced military police onto the field.

Hulk (Givanildo Vieira de Souza).

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. comes out of retirement after exhibition with Mike Tyson

Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, retired with a perfect 50-0 record after beating MMA star Conor McGregor in August 2017.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. greets people at halftime of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky earns unanimous decision win at 559 Fights 120 - interview

"When I fight like myself, freely, and without trying to entertain someone or try to hype the crowd up and do all this nonsense, I’m the best version of myself," Smotritsky says.

Shimon Smotritsky (left) and James Porter at the weigh-ins ahead of their match at the 559 Fights 120 event in Porterville, California.

Islam Makhachev, Valentina Shevchenko cruise to title wins at UFC 322

A dominant wrestling base made the difference for Makhachev (28-1 MMA), who became the 11th fighter in UFC history to win multiple titles across divisions.

Islam Makhachev looks on in a welterweight title bout against Jack Della Maddalena of Australia during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City.

MMA fighter shot 5 times in robbery attempt, survived and drove the robber away

Dramatic footage from Dagestan: Timur Khizriev, former PFL champion, fought off robbers, was shot, injured, and still managed to overpower them before being taken to the hospital for surgery.

 Timur Khizriev

'Our true victory': Rafael Aronov on battling Hamas to conquering the Octogon

From Hamas battles to MMA triumphs, Rafael Aronov recounts his fight for Israel in and out of the Octagon.

 Rafael Aronov at "Cage Warriors 174" in  London, England. July 23, 2024.

'A Jewish warrior': Israeli MMA fighter Ilay Barzilay dedicates victory to hostages

After his latest win, Israeli MMA fighter Ilay Barzilay says he feels he is fighting for the global Jewish community.

 Israeli MMA fighter Ilay Barzilay at LFA 188 in Arizona. July 12, 2024.

Israeli MMA fighter survives assassination attempt in Ukraine

Israeli MMA fighter Haim Gozali, his son, and coach survived an assassination attempt in Ukraine. Local police attempted to silence incident and deported Gozali.

HAIM GOZALI (right) defeated John McAllister in his debut fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Knucklemania last Friday night.

Iranian MMA fighter kicks ring girl before match in Russia, banned from competition for life

Iranian MMA fighter Ali Heibati kicked a Ring Girl's bottom during a match in Russia, leading to a lifetime suspension. He later posted an apology but received criticism for his actions.

  The Iranian flag flutters outside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, March 6, 2023.

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky wins big at Fury FC 82

Radiating deadly focus and precision at Fury FC 82, Shimon Smotritsky demonstrated that he deserves the moniker, “the assassin.”

 Shimon Smotritsky celebrates as his Fury FC victory is announced, August 27, 2023.