Israeli mixed martial artist Natan Levy has withdrawn from a scheduled Karate Combat Lightweight World Championship bout against Pakistani champion Shahzaib Rind for the second time, with Rind going public to call out his opponent directly.

In a video message posted to his social media, Rind addressed Levy by name, voicing frustration. 

“This video message is for Israel’s Natan Levy,” he said. “As you know, I was supposed to fight for the lightweight world title. He posted the fight on Instagram and made it official. My opponent pulled out again for the second time. First time in February, you did the same thing.”

Rind went further, claiming Levy had requested a different opponent from Karate Combat’s matchmaker rather than stepping aside from the competition altogether. 

“He asked the matchmaker of Karate Combat to fight on the same card. But not with me, with an easy opponent,” said Rind. “So you are injured, but only when it’s with me. You are not injured. You are avoiding me. You are scared.”

The Pakistani champion did not hold back in his assessment of Levy’s conduct, drawing a contrast between Levy’s online presence and his actions. 

“You are very good at fake fights, acting strong on social media, but in reality you run like a chicken. Don’t act like you are ready for a war, because when it’s time to sign and strap in front of me, you run and disappear. This is your reality.”

Rind also pointed to Levy’s departure from the UFC as part of a broader pattern. 

“That’s why you are out of the fight. That’s why all the major organizations kicked you out.” Levy was released from the UFC in February 2025 after going 3-2 in the promotion’s lightweight division.

Despite the latest setback, Rind confirmed he remains active. “The good news, I’m still fighting on May 2nd. You know the time and location. If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” he said.

Rind is Pakistan’s first-ever Karate Combat world champion and enters his next fight with a perfect 9-0 record.

He made history at KC-49 in Singapore on September 18, 2024, when he defeated Brazil’s Bruno Roberto De Assis to become Pakistan’s first-ever Karate Combat world champion. 

He has since defended the title multiple times. 

In January 2025, he defeated former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers by a score of 7-0 at KC-52 in Miami. At Karate Combat 44 in Mexico City, he knocked out Peru’s Marco Cubas in just 21 seconds with a flying knee, a high kick, and unanswered ground strikes. 

His most recent title defense came on July 19, 2025, in Miami at Karate Combat 56, where he stopped Brazilian fighter Luiz Rocha via TKO at 2:57 of the fourth round.

Away from Karate Combat, Rind holds a combined Wushu and kickboxing record of 75-4 and has captured six national titles.