No Gimmick for Ilay Barzilay
For Ilay Barzilay, the scheduled grappling match against Bryce Mitchell was no gimmick. The 23-year-old Israeli prospect, who now competes in regional promotions, was galvanized by Mitchell’s outrageous and deeply offensive comments on his podcast, where he defended Adolf Hitler and denied the Holocaust. These remarks did not go unnoticed, receiving widespread condemnation, including a blunt response from UFC CEO Dana White, who deemed them “beyond disgusting.” Barzilay, whose family history is profoundly intertwined with the Holocaust, took to Instagram to express his fury and demand accountability. Despite the short notice, he dedicated himself fully to the match, hoping to deliver a message on the mats that went far beyond the typical athlete’s challenge.
Personal Impact of Mitchell’s Remarks
While offensive statements about the Holocaust are not new, Barzilay’s connection to the tragedy made Mitchell’s words particularly devastating. His grandmother is a Holocaust survivor, and his grandfather lost his entire family during the Holocaust. The personal loss and the ongoing emotional toll of his grandmother’s stories made Barzilay’s decision to face Mitchell a deeply personal mission. “He said some horrific things,” Barzilay emphasized. “My grandmother is still alive and she’s still telling me stories about the Holocaust. He said a lot of stuff and I did take it personally.” The pain and anger were palpable, driving Barzilay to channel his emotions into preparation and determination.
Disappointment and Anger
When Barzilay learned that Mitchell had dropped out of their grappling match to instead fight Jean Silva at UFC 314 in Miami, he was understandably devastated. The match had been a focal point for him, a chance to confront Mitchell and make a statement. “I had one week notice to this fight,” Barzilay said. “I worked my ass off during this week. I improved my grappling so much because I didn’t want to disappoint. I wanted to beat him. I was going there to beat him and to submit him. Now everything is mixed up. I’m disappointed, angry, everything is mixed up.” The abrupt cancellation left Barzilay feeling let down and frustrated, but it also intensified his resolve to face Mitchell in any capacity possible.
Support from Training Partner Jean Silva
Barzilay is part of the Fighting Nerds team in Brazil, where he trains alongside Jean Silva, a highly regarded fighter with a bright future in the UFC. While Barzilay is disappointed, he finds a small sense of satisfaction in Silva stepping up to face Mitchell. “You know for Jean, it’s an easy way to the top 15,” Barzilay said. “Jean is a future champion. I didn’t train with no one at Jean’s level in this weight class. He’s a different level. He will beat Bryce very easily.” Barzilay sees Silva as a formidable opponent for Mitchell and hopes that his friend and training partner can deliver the justice he feels Mitchell deserves.
Possible Reasons for Mitchell’s Withdrawal
Barzilay speculates on why Mitchell might have backed out of the grappling match, considering the potential aftermath and the UFC’s stance. “Maybe the UFC didn’t like [him doing the grappling match]. That’s an option. I do believe he was worried about the grappling match. Maybe he was worried about me breaking the rules and start punching him.” Despite these speculations, Barzilay remains committed to the idea of a confrontation. He believes that Mitchell’s comments not only warranted a response but also offered a unique opportunity to hold him accountable in a physically challenging setting.
Future Aspirations and Unwavering Determination
With a perfect 6-0 record in the LFA, Barzilay is poised for a potential UFC debut. He sees the possibility of eventually facing Mitchell in the UFC as a meaningful and gratifying prospect. “Just let me fight the guy,” Barzilay said. “It doesn’t matter. Karate Combat, UFC, let’s do it in a gym. I just want to test myself against him. I want to fight this guy. This was personal 100 percent. If he’s talking about the Holocaust, he’s talking about my family. Because my family died in the Holocaust. They were murdered during the Holocaust. My grandmother survived the Holocaust. It’s personal then. For me, it sounds good. UFC debut against Bryce Mitchell, that sounds very good.” Barzilay’s journey is not just about athletic achievement; it’s a deeply personal quest for justice and closure, one that will continue to drive him in the future.
