Lebanese athlete said to pull out from MMA contest to avoid facing Israeli – Hezbollah-linked outlet says Abdullah Miniato has withdrawn from world youth martial arts championship in Bulgaria because he refuses to recognize Israel | Timesofisrael

A Lebanese mixed martial arts fighter announced on Saturday that he will not compete in an upcoming championship in Bulgaria to avoid facing an Israeli opponent, according to media reports.
Abdullah Miniato and his coach Muhammad Al-Gharbi said they are withdrawing from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Youth MMA World Championships, after a draw placed Miniato against an Israeli, the Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar said.