Victory for Hostages: Israeli MMA Fighter Ilay Barzilay's Dedication

With a broken rib and only three weeks’ notice, Jewish-Israeli martial artist Ilay “The Hype Israel” Barzilay pummeled his way to victory at LFA 188 in Arizona last week for his fifth professional win in his undefeated MMA (mixed martial arts) career.

LFA, Legacy Fighting Alliance, is a Texas-based MMA promotion company. Barzilay faced 30-year-old American Christobal Renteria after his original opponent, an undefeated fighter from Tajikistan, withdrew for "medical" reasons, which Barzilay questioned due to lack of proof.

Despite his own injured rib, Barzilay, a 5'10", 23-year-old native of Herzliya, persevered. “During the first takedown of the fight, I felt this injury. Right now, I have a broken rib,” he shared.

Renteria's aggressive start dominated the first two minutes and 22 seconds, with multiple takedowns and jabs slipping past Barzilay’s guard. However, Barzilay had anticipated Renteria’s explosive beginning. "Chris Renteria is a strong fighter, and he's well known for how he opens fights. The game plan was to get back on my feet, fight at this high pace, let him spend a lot of energy, and let him get tired," Barzilay explained.

The fight shifted dramatically as Barzilay unleashed a powerful combination of strikes, starting with a right uppercut followed by a left that staggered Renteria. Barzilay continued his relentless attack, ending with a decisive hook combination that left Renteria down, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

A Win for the Hostages and His Grandfather

After his knockout victory, Barzilay dedicated his win to the hostages and his late grandfather. “To the hostages, this is for you. And also for my grandfather,” he said. Barzilay's grandfather had passed away just after he flew to Las Vegas for training, adding personal significance to his triumph.

Barzilay felt a duty to speak for the hostages, noting his personal connections to former hostages Mia and Itay Regev, and another schoolmate still held by Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has intensified his motivation. “The only thing it changes is that it gives me more motivation and reasons to fight. Before, I fought only for myself and my family. Now I'm fighting for my country.”

Messages from fans have been a source of inspiration for Barzilay. “People tell me, ‘You don't know how much you inspire us, the Jewish people and the Israeli people, to fight back. To see a Jewish warrior like you, that’s inspiring.’”

Looking ahead, Barzilay hopes to be called up to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the world’s leading MMA promoter. “I want to do everything I can to be a world champion,” he said, acknowledging the hard work ahead. “I really believe that in a couple of years, I can [do that]. I need experience and time, but I believe that’s something I can definitely do. I can make history.”

Barzilay’s journey and recent victory serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of a true Jewish warrior fighting for his people.

Stay informed and support Israeli heroes by sharing this article or subscribing to our newsletter.