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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a world where sports and cultural identity often collide, Israeli fighter Natan Levy has emerged as a powerful advocate against hate and bigotry, as was recently reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. As the third Israeli to grace the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) arena, Levy has fearlessly championed his Jewish heritage both inside and outside the ring. Recently, the JTA reported that he seized an opportunity to combat hate head-on by accepting a challenge from a follower of white supremacist provocateur Nick Fuentes. The resulting showdown not only highlighted Levy’s commitment to combating hate speech but also underscored the power of education and dialogue in the face of ignorance, the report added.
The confrontation began on Twitter, where Levy and a man named Ben found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange. According to the JTA report, Ben, a follower of Nick Fuentes, a figure notorious for propagating anti-Semitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial, dared Levy to a physical confrontation. Levy, known for his outspokenness and strong sense of identity, did not shy away from the challenge, the report added. He accepted the offer, even offering to cover Ben’s travel expenses, exemplifying his courage and resolve.
“I’ll drive to Vegas any day of the week to spar you on behalf of Nicholas J. Fuentes and America First,” Ben wrote to Levy, referencing Fuentes’ online show where he regularly espouses anti-Semitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial, the JTA reported.
Levy accepted Ben’s challenge, even offering to pay for his gas. (Last year, Levy had issued a similar warning to rapper Kanye West after he praised Hitler, telling him, “if you’ve got a problem with me or my people, come see me, bro.”)
In a video that captured the encounter, Levy welcomed Ben to a mixed martial arts dojo in Las Vegas. Levy, wearing a shirt proudly emblazoned with his “Jew-Jitsu” moniker, engaged Ben in a conversation that quickly transcended physical combat, as was indicated in the JTA report. Ben explained the ideology behind Fuentes’ “America First” movement, a political stance he described as centered on advancing Christian values in the United States. However, the JTA report noted that he asserted that he was merely “messing around” online and denied harboring hateful intentions.
Levy challenged Ben’s claims by pointing out Fuentes’ history of Holocaust denial. Ben downplayed Fuentes’ stance as mere “revisionism,” a controversial perspective often used to undermine the documented history of the Holocaust. The JTA report also said that when asked about the number of Jews killed in the Nazi genocide, Ben hesitated but estimated the figure at six million. It was evident that education was essential, as Levy corrected him by interjecting “murdered,” the report added.
As the two fighters entered the ring, Levy made it clear that his intentions extended beyond physical domination. “I’m not gonna hurt him too bad, but a lesson has to be taught here about trolling. Education is painful sometimes,” Levy stated, highlighting the significance of using this encounter as a teachable moment, according to the JTA report. Over two rounds, Levy emerged victorious, pinning Ben both times. In a surprising turn, at the end of the second round, Ben offered an apology, the report added.
Once the fighting concluded, Levy and Ben stood outside the ring, their arms wrapped around each other, symbolizing the potential for transformation through dialogue, as was reported by the JTA. Ben, recognizing his ignorance, acknowledged the need for more research. Levy cautioned that the encounter had not been overly painful but stressed that future lessons could be harsher. This interaction showcased Levy’s commitment to fostering understanding even in the face of animosity, the report from the JTA added.
The video concluded with another Israeli fighter, Shimon Smotritsky, entering the ring alongside Cee-Jay, who was there to defend a friend’s honor, as was reported by the JTA. Their short, intense bout ended in a display of unity against hate. “Don’t talk sh–t about Jews, baby,” Smotritsky quipped, underscoring the fighters’ shared dedication to combating bigotry, the report noted.
Natan Levy’s willingness to confront hate and ignorance in and out of the Octagon highlights the transformative power of education, dialogue, and resilience. By using his platform to engage with those who espouse harmful ideologies, Levy demonstrated that even in the fiercest of battles, there is room for understanding and growth. Through his actions, Levy stands as a beacon of hope, proving that the fight against hate can be waged both with fists and with the power of knowledge.
