An MMA event held at Orlando's Kia Center, a venue shared with the NBA's Orlando Magic, has drawn widespread condemnation following antisemitic remarks and the display of hateful symbols during the competition. The incident occurred Saturday during the Duel: Arena 1 event.
Kickboxer Paul Miller, identified as a far-right internet personality, directed an expletive-laden tirade at his Jewish opponent, Ben Azoulay, who had walked out with an Israeli flag. Miller reportedly called Azoulay a "short little f****ing Jew prick." Following the altercation, Miller was seen on video making what appeared to be a Nazi salute as he exited the ring.
Adding to the controversy, a spectator in the crowd was reportedly filmed displaying a swastika flag. The City of Orlando, which owns the Kia Center, issued a statement unequivocally condemning the antisemitic messaging.
"Orlando Venues and the City of Orlando unequivocally condemn all forms of hate speech, discrimination, antisemitism, racism and any message that encourages hatred or violence against any person or group," the statement read. "We understand that many people in the Orlando community feel hurt, angry and concerned about the recent Duel Arena event. To be clear: those views belong solely to the individuals who expressed them. They do not reflect the values of Orlando Venues, the City of Orlando or our staff that work tirelessly to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone."
The city acknowledged its obligation under the First Amendment to permit a range of ideologies but stated this legal reality does not diminish its condemnation of the events. The city is reviewing its event policies to ensure facilities remain safe and inclusive.
Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer also denounced the hateful gestures, stating on social media, "Symbols of hate, including the Nazi flag, were brought to Kia Center this weekend. But hate will never be welcome here. Our community will continue to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate to ensure that Orlando is a place where every person is valued and respected."
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, representing the Orlando area and running for mayor, expressed her disgust, calling the incident a reminder of prevalent extremism and the collective responsibility to combat it. "We cannot normalize this. Ever," she stated.
Azoulay addressed the incident on X, formerly Twitter, stating that antisemitism had become "more clear to me now" and vowing to confront it.
Miller, previously described by the Anti-Defamation League as a "volatile white supremacist-accelerationist," has a history of espousing antisemitic views. In 2021, his home was raided by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. He later pleaded guilty to federal charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition, and possession of a weapon as a felon. Federal prosecutors noted at the time that Miller had posted online about his hatred of minority groups and support for a race-based civil war. He was released from federal prison in July 2023.
The organizers of Duel: Arena did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Miller told Fox 35 that he did not perceive an issue with the incident.