The MMA fighter Eli Aharonov tried to fulfill his big dream - to get a contract and reach the best league in the world in the UFC, but in the meantime he put the dream aside and since October 7 he is in the reserve, and instead of the sports arena he has been fighting in Gaza for over 100 days to protect on the house
Aharonov (27) took his first steps in martial arts at the age of 6. He was a "problem" child who needed to release energy, and the judo class was the way to do that.
When the club in Arad closed, his father directed him to Greco-Roman style wrestling, a sport in which he was crowned Israeli champion six times at different ages.
Upon his enlistment he was a fighter in Golani and wanted a military career, but unfortunately he was injured, operated on and transferred to an administrative position.
At the same time, his brother Rafael started training at the MMA club in Be'er Sheva and dragged Eli to train with him - and the rest is history.
Eli progressed quickly, and last April the moment of truth came when he met the American Zachary Reese in a fight for the direct ticket to the UFC, but disappointingly surrendered.
Aharonov continued to train in the USA until a month before the war, when he returned to Israel to continue preparations for the next fight.
The events of October 7 caught him in a free diving course in Eilat.
As soon as he realized that the war had broken out, Erez packed a bag, arrived at the military headquarters in Eilat and the very next day was drafted into the reserves. Rafael, a BSM fighter, fought and eliminated terrorists in the streets of Ofakim.
Aharonov celebrates on the ring, photo: MIKE KENNDY
"From the first moment when I saw the videos, I understood that a war had broken out and that I wanted to make my contribution," says Aharonov in a special interview with Israel Hayom.
"I was ordered to secure the commander of Division 162 and his deputy. From the first day we have been in Gaza, going in and out. I have been recruited for 116 days and my hand is still bent, but I am not complaining.
"We encounter difficult situations. We have already been shot at by anti-tank guns several times, and unfortunately there are also wounded from our force.
Every time our power is approached, we are the first responder and are present at all significant events."
It's not easy to go from the MMA arena to Gaza fights.
"It's not easy, there are some difficult sights. I encountered many wounded and dead, and there are soldiers that never leave my mind. When I leave Gaza and read about them on the networks - it breaks my heart, but there's nothing to be done, it's war. For now, I'm putting my sports career aside. This is life, there is no more just war. At the moment, the sports career is less interesting to me. I could have been released from the reserves due to a medical problem, yet I insisted on returning to the field."
Aharonov in Gaza, photo: Private
Does your sports career help you in any way when you are in Gaza?
"It helps me, because I know what discipline is and how to manage a routine. I'm used to functioning with high adrenaline. I function like in battle, know what needs to be done like a robot, when there isn't too much time to think. I know how to maintain a routine in several layers, I try to eat healthy, I try to drink more water and not let myself get dehydrated. I take nutritional supplements with me because I understand that the body is constantly under stress. And there is another layer - if a Hamasnik falls in my hands, he is really not happy."
What surprised you the most in Gaza?
"I was very surprised by the strength of the army, to see the IDF working together like this, how everything is synchronized.
I really see a broad picture of the war.
On the other hand, it's just crazy to see how much terrorism there is.
Every house has a sign of terror.
We were not brought up to be lowly, but terrorism is deeply rooted there and so is the issue of exploitation of the population.
I saw a Hamas operative riding a scooter with a child in front and a child in the back."
Aharonov.
Fighting for the homeland, photo: MIKE KENNDY
How do you spend your time relaxing outside of Gaza?
The hottest sports articles and updates at your place on Telegram
to join
"I try to exercise, but I don't have much time, so I've already gained 12 kg, but what's important is our country - victory over Hamas and the return of all the abductees.
When the war is over I will get back in shape, I will prepare properly, and I intend to come to the USA this summer and this time I will not give up my UFC contract."
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us