While these athletes bring honor to the nation, the Ministry of Culture and Sports continues to ignore the sport, maintaining its policy of silence.

Israel on the Global Map: Two leading Israeli MMA fighters will represent the nation at a prestigious international event in Baku, Azerbaijan. David Malka and Lior Yesnogorodsky, students of esteemed coach Hezi Rechtman, will compete at Turan Fighting's debut event on January 26.

"This is an opportunity to place Israel on the global MMA map", explains Rechtman. Malka will face Turkish fighter Salar Valizad, while Yesnogorodsky will meet Uzbekistan's Mohammadreza Yurayev. The event, led by entrepreneur Vusal Azrioglu, attracts fighters from across Europe and the Middle East.

"Our goal is to elevate sport above politics", emphasizes Azrioglu, who is already planning future events in Israel and Dubai. For the Israeli athletes, the competition represents a critical opportunity for building international reputation. "Each fight adds to the professional resume", Rechtman explains. "It's vital for career development".

While David Malka and Lior Yesnogorodsky prepare to represent Israel at the prestigious competition in Baku, the Ministry of Culture and Sports continues to ignore an entire field of distinguished athletes.

"Israeli athletes survive on their own resources", notes Hezi Rechtman, a senior coach and leader in Israel's MMA scene. "We spend thousands of shekels from our own pockets on training, competitive travel, and equipment – while the Sports Ministry completely ignores our existence". This is a clear absurdity. Athletes who honorably represent their nation, achieve noteworthy accomplishments, and gain international recognition – yet their own country refuses to acknowledge their professional status.

While MMA gains global recognition and continues to evolve, the reality in Israel remains starkly different. The Ministry of Culture and Sports refuses to recognize the field as a professional adult sport, preventing athletes from receiving basic support. "Maakav" investigation reveals a troubling picture: while other sports enjoy substantial budgetary resources, MMA athletes must independently finance all their activities. This directly impacts their ability to compete and develop professionally.

Yet while these athletes proudly represent Israel, the state remains absent. "Maakav" inquiry to the Ministry of Culture and Sports regarding MMA discrimination and lack of support for professional athletes received no substantive response. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Miki Zohar prefers photo opportunities with athletes post-achievement rather than addressing the sport's ongoing discrimination. Will the Minister once again settle for an Instagram post instead of acting on behalf of the athletes?

The Ministry's response? Deafening silence.