ORLANDO, Fla. (August 31, 2026) — We were shocked and disgusted to see spectators waving a Nazi flag and giving Nazi salutes in the crowd during the "Duel: Arena" mixed martial arts event this weekend in downtown Orlando. These abhorrent acts of hate can be attributed to fans of an openly Neo-Nazi fighter, who has visible SS Bolt tattoos and a history of posing with Nazi symbols and memorabilia, who competed that evening.

Let us be clear about the SS and why displaying this symbol is so repugnant:

“From 1939, the SS assumed responsibility for “solving” the so-called Jewish Question; after 1941, its leadership planned, coordinated, and directed the so-called Final Solution of the Jewish Question. This ‘solution’ was the annihilation of the European Jews, which we now refer to as the Holocaust.” (Source: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Holocaust Encyclopedia).

We strongly condemn all displays of Nazi imagery. They are repugnant and intended to offend, provoke and divide. Sadly, acts of antisemitic hate and violence continue to increase in Florida. It is incumbent upon all of us, especially those with public platforms, to call them out.

At the Holocaust Center, our mission has always been to build a more just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Our organization has been educating children and adults in Central Florida for more than 43 years, giving individuals and community leaders the tools and moral courage to combat this hate. As the events of this weekend prove, our mission remains critical.

When Neo-Nazis and open white supremacists are granted a public platform in competitive sports, these are the predictable consequences. We call on those who organized the event to take accountability for facilitating this shameful display.