Lebanese Athlete Withdraws from MMA World Championships to Avoid Facing Israeli Opponent
The mixed martial arts fighter decided immediately after the draw that he will not compete in the upcoming championship in Bulgaria.
He and his coach Mohammed al-Gharbi said on Saturday that he is withdrawing from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Youth MMA World Championships, Palestine Today reported.
Miniato said he refuses to recognize Israel and, therefore, will not face an Israeli opponent because it would mean a form of normalization.
Al-Gharbi in his Facebook page defended the decision and said facing an Israeli in the contest would mean recognizing an entity that has “occupied our land and kills our children”.
Last week a Sudanese judo athlete dropped out of the Tokyo Olympics before facing Israel’s Tohar Butbul in the 73-kilogram division.
Olympic officials said Mohamed Abdalrasool didn’t show up to face Butbul in their round of 32 bout Monday despite weighing in for the bout earlier.
Earlier, Algeria’s Fethi Nourine was sent home from the Tokyo Games and suspended by the IJF after he withdrew to avoid a potential round of 32 matchup with Butbul.
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