After weeks of anticipation, the Gordon brothers’ moment of truth arrived Saturday night in Kaunas, Lithuania — and both delivered flawless performances. Ruach Hashem Gordon stepped into the ring at the opening of UTMA (Unique & Talented Martial Artists)event No. 18 and defeated Turkey’s Huseyin Dolu in Muay Thai. Ahavat Hashem Gordon won the main event, knocking out Spain’s Andres Vasquez in a victory he dedicated to Col. Asaf Hamami, who was killed on October 7.
Ahavat Hashem's knockout blow
(Video: ONE Sport)
Ruach Hashem Gordon fought first against Dolu and secured a win by judges’ decision. He was far more dominant in the first and third rounds. A World Games medalist and the 2023 Muay Thai world champion, he opened the night successfully.
“He was a good and tough opponent, and he knocked me down twice. But I listened to my coaches and managed to win. I stayed calm. I dedicate the victory to my coach. Am Yisrael Chai (the people of Israel live), the soldiers are fighting on the battlefield and I fought for them,” Ruach Hashem said after his match.
Watch Ruach Hashem's victory
(Video: One Sport)
Later in the event, Ahavat Hashem Gordon faced Spain’s Andres Vasquez. Vasquez agreed to step in on short notice after the Israeli’s original title fight against Thailand’s Saksri was canceled.
But Vasquez likely quickly regretted that decision, as Ahavat Hashem Gordon dismantled him with a very fast and decisive knockout. Gordon, who is aiming to reach the UFC, improved his professional record to 12-0.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me prepare for this fight. I came ready to fight for the belt. A big thank you to my team and my family — without them this wouldn’t have happened. I’m happy with my performance, I came to put on a show. I will be a champion. I dedicate this fight to my country and to the fighters who are fighting for our country. I’m a man with a mission, I just want to do good and be a good person. Be good, be like Asaf Hamami,” he said.
Col. Asaf Hamami, who commanded the Southern Brigade, was the first to declare a state of war over communications on October 7. He was killed in battle and his body was taken to the Gaza Strip. His body was returned to Israel at the end of the war.
Ahavat Hashem added: “Everyone in Israel is watching, everyone sees me and my brother. UTMA are doing an excellent job. I want to fight for the belt — and I’m ready to fight anyone.”