UFC fighters are known for their outspoken nature and it is not a surprise that several of them commented on the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. The Israel-Palestine dispute, marked by religious, socio-political differences, and territorial disputes, has persisted for decades. This has led to multiple wars between the two nations.
After a war was announced between Russia and Ukraine not too long ago, the world is again suffering from more death and devastation. The latest conflict between the Middle Eastern nations escalated around October 7, 2023. Many UFC fighters have made their feelings known about the war including one of the most brash personalities in the promotion, Sean Strickland.
Sean Strickland, as usual, makes contentious remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict
The UFC Middleweight champion is no stranger to controversial comments. During the war between Russia and Ukraine, Strickland claimed that Ukraine should surrender to Russia’s superior weapons and military. This time, his narrative is still the same. He has asked Palestine to “throw in the towel.”
This is what I’m saying.. I’m not a zionist… Far from not even slightly but like fuck yall lost.. Throw in the towel…. orr don’t the end result is the same except they will have less.. I’m American. My nation took this land at gun point… Its just how the world works man.. https://t.co/uKkcO6TYfu
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 8, 2023
He has posted several times on X related to the latest war. His narrative has remained the same throughout. Although he clearly stated that he is not a zionist, he believes it is best for Palestine to surrender.
Strickland posted about the GDP difference between both countries. It showed a huge advantage for Israel. The Middleweight champion further even gave the example of American land’s history.
Oh man I fucking love war especially when I’m not in it. Call me George Carlin. The pics of that innocent girl in the back of the truck.. Fuck makes my blood fucking boil… I can’t wait for the tanks to roll in and turn Gaza into a fucking city of rubble.. Send in the tanks!..… https://t.co/wZMSWdR5RS
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 9, 2023
There was no doubt about the fact that Strickland would make controversial comments regarding the matter. However, one of his later tweets is extremely shocking. He talks about the feelings of war and claims that people enjoy seeing the ones they hate die. He even criticized those who post flags and become a “pawn in a proxy war.” Strickland further said that he loves being hated by them.
Marvin Vettori compares the Israel-Palestine war to the Roman empire in a cryptic tweet
Welterweight fighter Marvin Vettori also chimed in with a tweet about the Israel-Palestine war. He did not specifically mention anything about the war. However, as an Italian, he tried to draw some comparisons with the Roman Empire.
In a cryptic tweet, Vettori wrote, “What if, as Italian, I would claim every area of the Roman Empire at his largest extension to be given back to us?”
What if as Italian I would claim every area of the Roman Empire at his largest extension to be given back to us?
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) October 8, 2023
It is clear that Vettori referred to the land dispute between Israel and Palestine. However, is it difficult to make out which side Vettori has supported through his tweet. Several fans commented on the post claiming that the tweet made no real sense.
Vettori further reposted a tweet by Tristan Tate which asked for Donald Trump to be reinstated as the US President.
Belal Muhammad posts a bold message in support of Palestine amidst the war against Israel
Belal Muhammad is known for his support for Palestine for a long time in the UFC. The American-born Welterweight fighter has also been seen sporting the Palestine flag.
He previously claimed that his support for Palestine is not about religion. He said, “Jared Gordon is literally one of my best friends and he’s a Jewish guy. We literally lived together for two years. I do my podcast with Jason Anik, Jon Anik is a really good friend. I don’t want people to think that it’s a religious thing,” Muhammad told MMAmania.com in 2021.
This is what you’d call a coward response. Instead of taking a stand against terrorism and advocating for a peaceful resolution you say this dumb shit… Ignoring what just happened.
Belal you were born in America, you live in America just shut the fuck up. https://t.co/j4IwyTVyCu
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 7, 2023
Lately, Muhammad tweeted, “Pray for Palestine.” He continued his unwavering support for them. Strickland, on the other hand, called Muhammad a “coward” for his tweet. The Middleweight champion asked him to “shut the f*ck up” because he was born in America. Muhammad has not responded to Strickland yet.
Israeli UFC fighter Natan Levy supports his nation in the war
There were no doubts about which side Natan Levy would choose in the war. The UFC fighter, who made his debut in November 2021, posted a video on X detailing a shocking story. He captioned the post, “36 hours after the surprise attack from Gaza. 700 murdered, 2,200 wounded and worst of all, over 100 estimated taken hostage into Gaza to be used as bargaining chips or far worse, to be r*ped and tortured by Palestinian terrorists.
The vast majority are civilians- children, women and the elderly. This is WAR. We would love your support but do not need it, Israel has the right to defend itself and we will.”
36 hours after the surprise attack from Gaza.
700 murdered, 2,200 wounded and worst of all, over 100 estimated taken hostage into Gaza to be used as bargaining chips or far worse, to be raped and tortured by Palestinian terrorists.The vast majority are civilians- children,… pic.twitter.com/ARk5fvO09f
— Natan Levy ✡︎ (@Natan_Levy) October 8, 2023
Levy is 8-1 in professional MMA. His UFC debut against Rafa Garcia did not go to plan as he lost via a unanimous decision. However, he came back strong and won his next two bouts against Mike Breedan and Genaro Valdez.
Khamzat Chimaev tweets in support of Palestine
UFC Middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev also showed support for Palestine via a post on X. He posted a picture of people waving the Palestine flag with the flags and heart emoji.
The Chechen-born fighter, who has represented Sweden, has received mixed responses to his post. Many comments commend him for his stance while a lot also condemn him.
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) October 7, 2023
The undefeated fighter will take on Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in less than two weeks. His last bout came over a year ago.
With UFC’s ban on flags lifted, it will be interesting to see if any of the fighters sport an Israel or Palestine flag to show their support. It should also be noted that UFC banned flags allegedly due to the Russia-Ukraine war. So, Dana White is set to be in a tough spot again with the upcoming UFC events.