The Gordon brothers in a revealing interview: "There is a healthy jealousy that drives us to succeed"
Ruach Hashem and Kivdi Gordon open up in a revealing interview and tell about the moment they were required to give up representing the country: "It's an organization that has already caused us problems in the past", business decisions: "You need to start investing to make a living", and goals for the future: "We will do things here that no Israeli has ever done".
Behind the scenes of the new holiday campaign shoot for the fashion brand Mania Jeans, two of the most talked-about names in the world of martial arts and sports in Israel met: the brothers and fighters Ruach Hashem and Kivdi Gordon. Between changing looks for the shoot, the two took time for an open conversation about their demanding path, the tense moments between the locker room and entering the ring, and the principles they refuse to compromise on, even when big offers come from abroad.
When asked about the feelings that accompany them before a fight, Ruach Hashem described how he manages the emotional storm: "In the locker room, there is peak excitement, especially at our last event at the Menora Arena in front of 13,000 Israelis. We were excited to an indescribable level. But you have to learn to control this excitement, because if I enter the fight full of adrenaline, it will tire me out and I won't execute the strategy properly. So I keep a cool head, do what needs to be done, win, and then celebrate with the crowd."
Kivdi Gordon added: "At that moment, all the work and sacrifice are concentrated into one instant. There is no feeling in the world as satisfying as winning, and that is what I live for."
The path to the top was paved with years of hard work. Ruach Hashem, who has been in the field for 16 years, since he was about ten, shares that he always knew where he was aiming: "When I started, I knew I was going all the way. I believed 100% that I would get here. For me, this is just the beginning." Kivdi Gordon reinforced this: "I always felt I worked harder than others and that I had a calling. I knew I would be special, and I decided to follow that inner feeling."
When asked about family dynamics and whether there is room for jealousy between brothers who succeed in the same field, Ruach Hashem explained: "Healthy jealousy, yes. But not the kind where I don't want him to succeed. It's a jealousy that drives us to push each other further." This mutual support is evident in their personal lives as well. Ruach Hashem spoke happily about his partner Avia, and regarding the wedding of their younger brother Aviatar Hashem, he smiled: "I think it will open the door for more weddings. If it's the right relationship, we will get married."
Their professional growth goes beyond the ring. Ruach Hashem recently began giving inspiring lectures: "Sharing my story, the hard work, and seeing how it affects people and leaves them feeling strengthened—it's one of the most satisfying things I can do." Kivdi added a tip for commitment: "Trust the process; nothing happens overnight. Great things take time, perseverance, and belief."
A charged topic discussed was the cancellation of Ruach Hashem’s fight in the ONE Championship in Thailand after he was required to stop representing Israel. Ruach Hashem recounted his decision with pride: "I was promised there would be no problem with the Israeli flag, but a week before the fight, they forbade me to carry it. I cancelled my participation. It's an organization that has already caused problems for my younger brother, Aviatar. I was bummed, but I am happy I stood my ground. I bring with me the values of the fighter I am and the country I represent. Whoever doesn't want me doesn't need me. They lost, I didn't." Ruach Hashem, who currently lives in Brazil, noted: "Brazilians love us; people are very warm and supportive of the Israeli people."
Looking ahead, their ambitions remain at the world top. Ruach Hashem estimates: "In 10 years, there will be a revolution in Israeli sports, largely thanks to us. We will do things no Israeli has ever done. I believe I will be a UFC champion." He also announced plans for another event: "If the people wanted GFN 2, they will get it. The show will be even better."
Beyond the ring, the brothers are aiming for entrepreneurship, following their brother Aviatar, who launched a jewelry brand. Kivdi Gordon concluded: "In the end, our investment in sports brings opportunities from outside. We are already working with clothing brands and sponsorships, and God willing, it will only grow from here."
