MMA fighter Eli Aharonov dreams of one thing - a fight in the best league in the world, the UFC.
To get there, he makes the trip by bus and train from Arad to Holon several times a week, to train and be more prepared.
This weekend he has traveled far overseas, to Canada, and will try to maintain his perfect balance (5 wins, 0 losses) in another battle, to take another step towards realizing the dream.
Aharonov made his first (25) martial arts moves at the age of 6 in judo.
He was a troubled kid who needed to expend a lot of energy, and the judo club was the way to go.
When the club in Arad closed, his father directed him to wrestle in the Greco-Roman style, a branch in which he was crowned Israeli champion six times, at different ages.
At the age of 18 he became a Golani fighter and wanted a military career, but was unfortunately wounded, operated on and transferred to an administrative position.
At the same time, his brother started training at the MMA club in the WC and dragged Eli to train with him.
"We have a survival instinct"
"What attracts me to MMA is the art and beauty of it," Aharonov tells Israel Today enthusiastically.
I even want to make a cup of coffee faster and better than you.
For me, MMA is the fight that is closest to the real thing because it has few rules, it combines everything, everything is allowed - it is really life itself.
I want to see how far this can lead me. "
Do you see MMA as compensation for the military career you so longed for?
"Not really. I really like the country and I wanted to be an officer and a fighter, but I am also an athlete all my life, and my goal is to represent Israel, the Jewish people, to raise the flag in the world. I see it as a great mission. It is my ambition and the big dream."
You do not hide your Zionism.
"True. I have a large Star of David tattoo, I'm a proud Jew. It's also a way for them to see our good side. True, sometimes it also hurts and harasses me because of the political issue. It was no coincidence that they did not want to fight me, but I do get messages "
Aharonov.
A true patriot, Photo: Oren Aharoni
What investment does MMA charge you on a daily basis?
"It's a great sacrifice. I live it from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. It keeps me busy in every sense: food, sleep, training, work - I'm a waiter and a bartender, because I do not make a living from the battles. I never got paid for a fight, quite the opposite. "Just to prepare for the upcoming battle, I have to spend almost 25,000 shekels. There are a lot of expenses, such as flights and food supplements."
This is not an easy task.
"I get help from good people, in Israel and abroad, because this sport is not sponsored, not recognized and not Olympic, but I do not complain.
I will continue to train every morning, go to work for six hours and then train again.
Like this every day.
That is not what will break me, because I know this is what I need to achieve. "
"I'm going to win"
At this point, Aharonov wants to contact Sports Minister Hili Troper directly.
"I want to tell him that it's a big mistake not to support or invest in sports. Because in the end, when you invest in sports, you invest in education, in instilling confidence," says Aharonov. "For example, sports educate you to be a good and valued person, with discipline, so you don't accept people who go to crime."
Aharonov.
Make a living as a waiter and bartender, Photo: Oren Aharoni
Do you speak from your personal experience?
"I also walked the streets when I was a kid and did nonsense, like drinking vodka. There's not much to do when you grew up in Arad, and sports is what saved me and brought me back to my best.
" I had a frame with a coach who is like a second dad.
He watches over me, directing me.
"My teachers would turn to my coach and he would take me back to school."
The MMA in the country caught on?
"He is still in his early stages here. There are fighters who are advancing and can go far. The sport is evolving and growing, but there is a lot of work to be done."
What will be your next battle, on Friday in Canada?
"I'm going to win! I'll have a tough opponent, one who has won ten fights, but has represented the country with dignity."
On the way to the big dream.
"Yes, I want to serve as a personal example and inspiration to many children, who will choose to go to this place and not to the street and crime. Let them know that if you have a dream and you work hard enough for it - anything is possible."
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