Israel Adesanya Biography: The Rise of the Last Stylebender

Israel Mobolaji Adesanya, commonly known as Israel Adesanya, is a Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and current UFC Middleweight Champion. Known for his striking prowess, dynamic fighting style, and unorthodox approach in the octagon, Adesanya has quickly ascended to superstardom in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His success in the UFC and his charismatic personality have made him one of the most prominent figures in combat sports today.

This biography explores Israel Adesanya’s early life, his entry into MMA, his remarkable rise in the UFC, his achievements, and his contributions to the sport.

Early Life and Family Background

Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is of Nigerian descent, with both of his parents being of Yoruba ethnicity. His family relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, when he was just 10 years old, seeking better opportunities and a safer environment. Adesanya often speaks about the influence of his Nigerian roots on his work ethic and fighting style, as well as the impact of his family, particularly his mother, who always emphasized discipline and respect.

Growing up in New Zealand, Adesanya was involved in a variety of sports, including kickboxing, taekwondo, and basketball. He was drawn to the art of combat sports from a young age, but his path to MMA was not immediate. As a teenager, he was passionate about dancing, including hip-hop and breakdancing, and also played basketball. His love for movement and creativity would later translate into his unique fighting style.

Adesanya initially started training in kickboxing at the age of 18. He had no previous martial arts experience, but his natural athleticism and quick learning ability made him a formidable force in the striking world. His kickboxing background would later become the foundation of his success in MMA.

Kickboxing Career: Building a Foundation

Before transitioning to MMA, Israel Adesanya made a name for himself in the world of kickboxing. He amassed an impressive record in the sport, with a professional kickboxing record of 75 wins and 5 losses, including several knockout victories. His skill and fluidity in striking, along with his exceptional footwork and agility, earned him a reputation as one of the best kickboxers in the world.

Adesanya’s kickboxing style was heavily influenced by his admiration for famous fighters like Bruce Lee and Anderson Silva. His combination of creativity and precision in striking allowed him to dominate opponents in the ring. Adesanya’s successful kickboxing career helped to hone his skills in striking, which would become a significant asset when he transitioned to MMA.

Transition to MMA: The Beginning of a New Chapter

In 2012, Israel Adesanya made the decision to transition to mixed martial arts. After years of dominating in kickboxing, he felt that MMA presented a more significant challenge and an opportunity to further showcase his talents. Adesanya began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to round out his skill set, understanding that well-roundedness was essential in MMA.

Adesanya’s MMA debut took place on April 28, 2012, at UFC debut against Rob Wilkinson. He won the fight by TKO in the second round, which began his impressive unbeaten streak. Over the next few years, he continued to build his career, focusing on honing his skills and gaining more experience inside the octagon. His superior striking, combined with his ability to avoid damage, made him a formidable opponent for anyone in his path.

UFC Debut and Rise to Stardom

Israel Adesanya’s breakthrough into the UFC came in 2018, when he made his debut against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221. He won the fight in the second round, showcasing his trademark striking and ability to control the pace of the fight. This victory marked the start of his rise to the top of the UFC’s middleweight division.

Over the next several months, Adesanya continued to impress MMA fans with his fluid striking, defensive abilities, and remarkable fight IQ. He secured victories over notable fighters like Derek Brunson, Anderson Silva, and Kelvin Gastelum, each of whom had previously been formidable contenders in the division.

In April 2019, Adesanya faced Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. In what would become one of his most memorable performances, Adesanya won the fight by unanimous decision after a thrilling five-round battle. This victory earned him the Interim UFC Middleweight Championship, and he was soon given the opportunity to fight for the undisputed title.

Becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion

Israel Adesanya’s crowning achievement came on April 13, 2019, when he faced Robert Whittaker for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 243. The fight was an intense battle, with both fighters showcasing their skills, but Adesanya’s superior striking, defense, and counter-attacks allowed him to earn a second-round knockout. This victory not only made him the UFC Middleweight Champion, but it also solidified his place as one of the most talented and dangerous fighters in the sport.

Adesanya’s dominance continued in the division, as he successfully defended his title multiple times, most notably against Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori. His striking ability, speed, and elusive movements made him an incredibly difficult opponent to match. Fans and analysts often compare his fighting style to that of Anderson Silva, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history.

Notable Fights and Rivalries

Adesanya’s career has been marked by several high-profile fights and rivalries. One of his most exciting bouts was against Paulo Costa at UFC 253, where Adesanya successfully defended his middleweight title by winning via TKO in the second round. The fight was highly anticipated due to the contrasting styles of both fighters – Adesanya’s slick striking against Costa’s aggressive and powerful approach. Adesanya’s victory further cemented his place at the top of the division.

Another highly anticipated matchup occurred on June 12, 2021, when Adesanya faced Marvin Vettori in a rematch. Adesanya dominated the fight, winning by unanimous decision and proving his superiority over the Italian fighter. This victory marked his fourth successful defense of the middleweight title.

Israel Adesanya’s Personal Life

Outside of the octagon, Israel Adesanya is known for his charismatic and flamboyant personality. He is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and often speaks about the importance of maintaining a healthy mind in addition to physical fitness. His journey from Nigeria to New Zealand and his rise to stardom has been an inspiring story for many young athletes around the world, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Adesanya is also very open about his love for anime and video games, often incorporating references to his favorite shows and characters in his public persona. His nickname, “The Last Stylebender,” is a reference to the popular anime series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which has become synonymous with his striking style in the octagon.

Achievements and Awards

Israel Adesanya has achieved great success throughout his career, both inside and outside of the octagon. Below is a summary of his major accomplishments:

Achievement	Details
UFC Middleweight Champion	Won the title in 2019 by defeating Robert Whittaker
Interim UFC Middleweight Champion	Won in 2019 by defeating Kelvin Gastelum
Undefeated Record in UFC	20-0 (as of 2021), with notable wins over top fighters like Whittaker, Costa, and Gastelum
Fight of the Night Bonus	Earned multiple times for his exciting performances
Knockout of the Night Bonus	Awarded for his performance against Robert Whittaker in 2019

Conclusion

Israel Adesanya’s rise to UFC stardom is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and natural talent. From his early days as a kickboxer in New Zealand to becoming one of the most dominant middleweight champions in UFC history, Adesanya has shown the world that with perseverance, focus, and a unique fighting style, anything is possible.

As he continues to defend his title and cement his legacy, Adesanya’s journey remains a source of inspiration for fans of MMA and combat sports globally. His undefeated record, technical prowess, and magnetic personality make him one of the most beloved figures in the UFC today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Adesanya lost?

As of April 2025, Israel Adesanya has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 5 losses.
His five losses include defeats by:

Jan Błachowicz (2021) – when he moved up to Light Heavyweight.
Alex Pereira (2022) – lost his Middleweight title.
Sean Strickland (2023) – lost in a stunning upset.
Dricus Du Plessis (2024) – via submission.
Nassourdine Imavov (2025) – by knockout.

How long did Adesanya have the UFC belt?

Adesanya became undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion in October 2019 and held the title until November 2022, when he lost to Alex Pereira.
He held the belt for 1,134 days (about 3 years and 1 month) and made 5 successful title defenses.

What is Israel Adesanya’s record in Muay Thai / Kickboxing?

Before transitioning to MMA, Adesanya had an impressive kickboxing and Muay Thai career:

75 wins,
4 losses,
27 wins by knockout.

What happened to Israel Adesanya?

After dominating the Middleweight division, Adesanya faced a rough patch:

He lost his title and suffered three back-to-back defeats (Pereira, Du Plessis, Imavov).
He’s taken some time off but is planning a comeback, training with David Goggins for mental and physical resilience.
He made a surprise appearance at WWE’s WrestleMania 41, hinting at possible crossover ambitions.

While he’s no longer champion, he’s still a major name and may return to the UFC Octagon soon.

What is Israel Adesanya’s fighting style?

Israel Adesanya is known for his striking-based fighting style, heavily influenced by his background in kickboxing. He is highly skilled in muay thai, boxing, and taekwondo, combining fluid movement, speed, and precision in his strikes.

How many title defenses has Israel Adesanya had?

As of 2021, Adesanya has successfully defended his UFC Middleweight Championship four times, with notable victories over Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and others.

Is Israel Adesanya undefeated?

No, Adesanya suffered his first loss to Jan Błachowicz in 2021 for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. However, he remains undefeated in the middleweight division.

What is Israel Adesanya’s nickname?

Israel Adesanya’s nickname is “The Last Stylebender,” inspired by the anime series Avatar: The Last Airbender, reflecting his dynamic and fluid fighting style.