Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya (born 22 July 1989) is a Nigerian-born New Zealander professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC middleweight division.[1][2] Known by the nickname "The Last Stylebender" for his flamboyant, anime-inspired striking and movement, Adesanya transitioned from a successful kickboxing career—where he won the Glory middleweight title and compiled a professional record exceeding 75 wins—to MMA in 2012. In the UFC, he debuted in 2018 and rapidly ascended, capturing the middleweight championship at UFC 243 in 2019 by knocking out Robert Whittaker in the second round, followed by five successful defenses against challengers including Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori.[4] Adesanya lost the title to Alex Pereira via fifth-round knockout at UFC 281 in 2022 but reclaimed it with a second-round knockout victory over Pereira at UFC 287 in 2023, only to relinquish it again after a fourth-round stoppage loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in 2024.[4] As of late 2024, his professional MMA record stands at 24 wins and 5 losses, with 16 victories by knockout or technical knockout, underscoring his reputation as one of the division's premier strikers.[2] His career has featured high-profile rivalries and occasional controversies stemming from provocative trash-talk, including a 2020 reference to the September 11 attacks during a post-fight interview, though he remains defined primarily by his technical mastery and marketability in combat sports.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Nigeria and Family Influences
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, to Oluwafemi "Femi" Adesanya, an accountant, and Taiwo Adesanya, a nurse.[5][6] As the eldest of five children in a Yoruba family, he grew up in an upper-middle-class household amid the bustling urban environment of Lagos, which provided a relatively comfortable lifestyle compared to broader Nigerian socioeconomic conditions.[6][7][8] His parents, both holding professional qualifications in fields requiring rigorous education and discipline, instilled values prioritizing academic achievement and career stability over extracurricular pursuits like sports.[5][9] This familial focus reflected a broader emphasis on securing socioeconomic advancement through formal education, a common aspiration among upwardly mobile Nigerian families during the late 20th century. Adesanya's role as the firstborn likely reinforced expectations of responsibility toward his younger siblings, shaping early traits of leadership and resilience within the household dynamic.[6][10]Immigration to New Zealand and Cultural Adaptation
Adesanya's family emigrated from Nigeria to New Zealand in 1999, when he was 10 years old, primarily to access better-recognized educational opportunities for their children.[11] [12] The family, including his parents and four younger siblings, settled on New Zealand's North Island and later resided in Rotorua, where Adesanya attended high school.[13] [14] The relocation brought immediate cultural shock, as Adesanya, raised in a homogeneous Nigerian environment, first encountered racial prejudice in New Zealand's predominantly white society. In his initial week at school, he faced derogatory comments targeting his Black ethnicity, such as being called a monkey, which made him acutely aware of his outsider status.[15] This extended to physical bullying during high school in Rotorua, including assaults and attempts to humiliate him, like efforts to dunk his head into a urine-filled urinal, leaving him traumatized and sobbing.[13] [16] These racist experiences and assaults fostered a sense of isolation but also spurred Adesanya's determination for self-protection, contributing to his resilience and dual identity as a Nigerian-New Zealander. While embracing New Zealand as home, he retained strong ties to his African heritage, crediting the adversity with shaping his unyielding character amid Kiwi society's challenges.[14] [13]Education and Initial Exposure to Martial Arts
Adesanya immigrated to Rotorua, New Zealand, at age 10 in 1999 and enrolled at Rotorua Boys' High School, a secondary institution known for producing notable athletes despite his initial disinterest in sports.[17][13] There, he faced persistent bullying, including racial harassment, which contributed to feelings of isolation and prompted internal coping mechanisms like self-motivational dialogue rather than physical confrontation at the time.[13][18] Academically, he maintained focus amid extracurricular pursuits such as anime appreciation and dance, avoiding team sports while completing his secondary education around 2007.[19] Post-graduation, he enrolled in a computer design program at the Universal College of Learning in Palmerston North, reflecting an early orientation toward creative and technical fields over athletic endeavors.[19] Around age 18 in 2007, Adesanya sought kickboxing as a constructive outlet to counter the lingering effects of schoolyard bullying and foster personal resilience, beginning with informal sessions at local gyms in the Whanganui region.[20] This initial exposure emphasized self-defense fundamentals and physical conditioning, transitioning from hobbyist training to structured amateur practice without immediate competitive pressure.[13] He soon incorporated Muay Thai techniques under early coaches like Derek Broughton, participating in introductory amateur bouts in New Zealand that prioritized skill development—such as stance, clinch work, and striking precision—over victory tallies, with his debut amateur fight occurring that year.[20] These experiences marked a pivotal shift, linking martial arts acquisition to psychological growth and laying foundational technical proficiency through repetitive, low-stakes drilling rather than formal competition circuits.[9]Kickboxing and Muay Thai Career
Amateur and Early Professional Development
Adesanya commenced his kickboxing journey in Auckland, New Zealand, at age 18 in 2007, inspired by Muay Thai techniques and quickly advancing through amateur competitions under coach Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing.[21] He amassed an undefeated amateur record of 32-0, dominating regional tournaments such as those organized by King of the Ring between approximately 2008 and 2010, where he honed foundational skills in striking precision and footwork.[22][23] Transitioning to professional ranks, Adesanya made his debut in 2010 within local New Zealand promotions, leveraging his amateur success to secure early victories that emphasized knockout power, contributing to his overall professional kickboxing tally of numerous stoppages in initial bouts.[23] Bareman's mentorship played a pivotal role in refining his signature style, characterized by elusive head movement, long-range kicks, and counter-striking, which allowed him to outmaneuver opponents while minimizing damage taken.[22] Seeking greater competition and training opportunities, Adesanya relocated to China around 2011, competing in regional promotions that exposed him to diverse styles and intensified sparring environments, further solidifying his technical proficiency before pursuing higher-profile international circuits.[21][22] This phase marked a critical skill-building period, with early professional knockouts demonstrating his evolving ability to finish fights decisively, though exact metrics from these bouts remain sparsely documented outside aggregate career statistics showing a high stoppage rate in his formative years.[24]Rise in Glory and Middleweight Championship Reign
Adesanya signed a contract with Glory Kickboxing in 2015, debuting at Glory 28 in Paris on November 6, 2015, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Yodlekpet Or. Petchyindee after five rounds, demonstrating precise counter-striking and distance control that limited his opponent's output.[22] This win marked the beginning of his rapid ascent in the promotion, building on an extensive pre-Glory professional kickboxing record that included over 70 victories, many by knockout.[25] His breakthrough came at Glory 34 in Denver on December 9, 2016, where he captured the middleweight contender tournament in a single night. Adesanya first defeated his semi-final opponent by decision, then outpointed Yousri Belgaroui in the finals via split decision over three rounds, landing a higher volume of significant strikes—including effective knees and teeps—while adapting to Belgaroui's aggressive pressure to avoid clinch dominance.[26] The narrow victory, with judges split on control and damage, highlighted Adesanya's technical adaptability and striking accuracy, as he maintained clean technique under fatigue.[27] Earning a title shot, Adesanya challenged Glory middleweight champion Jason Wilnis at Glory 37 in Los Angeles on January 20, 2017. Despite outstriking Wilnis in effective combinations and controlling range with footwork, Adesanya dropped a unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in the five-round main event, a result criticized as controversial by analysts who cited Adesanya's superior significant strike count and cleaner execution over Wilnis's forward pressure and clinch work.[28] This performance solidified his status as a elite striker, with Glory statistics showing his fights averaging 10:30 duration and a 2:0 knockdown ratio, reflecting defensive elusiveness and opportunistic power.[22] Adesanya's Glory tenure yielded a 3-2 record, punctuated by high striking output and versatility in stance-switching, which compensated for occasional vulnerabilities to power shots in later bouts. His peak in the promotion emphasized causal effectiveness in stand-up exchanges, where empirical metrics favored his precision over raw aggression from opponents.[29]Key Defenses, Losses, and Transition Considerations
Adesanya secured notable victories in Glory's middleweight contender tournament at Glory 34 on December 12, 2015, defeating Yousri Belgaroui by split decision in the final after a unanimous decision win over Robert Thomas in the semifinals, positioning him as a top contender but not yielding an undisputed title.[26] These performances highlighted his technical striking and adaptability, yet he never captured the Glory middleweight championship, instead challenging for it twice without success.[22] His first title challenge came against champion Jason Wilnis at Glory 37 on January 20, 2017, resulting in a unanimous decision loss despite widespread scoring in Adesanya's favor among fans and analysts, who cited aggressive output and effective counters overlooked by judges potentially due to conservative scoring criteria favoring Wilnis's pressure.[30] This outcome exemplified judging inconsistencies in kickboxing, where volume and visible aggression often sway decisions over precision, prompting debates on referee bias toward established champions.[25] A subsequent title opportunity against Alex Pereira at Glory 46 on October 14, 2017, ended in a third-round TKO loss for Adesanya, as Pereira's power shots exploited Adesanya's waning cardio and defensive lapses after an early strong start, underscoring vulnerabilities in prolonged exchanges against heavy hitters without grappling variables.[31] Adesanya's final kickboxing bout, a non-Glory rematch with Pereira at Glory of Heroes 7 on March 2017, again saw a third-round knockout defeat, confirming Pereira's striking edge in pure stand-up rules. These setbacks, amid Glory's 2-2 record for Adesanya overall, revealed tactical errors like over-reliance on footwork without sufficient power checking, contributing to his pivot away from kickboxing.[29] The transition to full-time MMA pursuit stemmed from Glory's limited financial upside, where even top contenders earned modestly compared to UFC contracts offering base pay exceeding $100,000 plus bonuses and endorsements for prospects like Adesanya, whose striking translated directly to octagon advantages.[32] Kickboxing's niche market stagnated revenue growth, with promotions like Glory unable to match UFC's global PPV model and sponsorship influx, incentivizing the shift for economic realism over loyalty to a shrinking discipline.[33] Competitively, MMA allowed skill expansion via wrestling and submissions, mitigating kickboxing's one-dimensional risks—evident in Adesanya's regional MMA wins prior—while leveraging his elite stand-up against less specialized grapplers. Adesanya effectively retired from pure kickboxing in 2018, vacating further Glory commitments to capitalize on UFC's broader opportunities.[30]Mixed Martial Arts Career
Pre-UFC Professional Fights and Regional Success
Adesanya made his professional MMA debut on November 17, 2012, in China under the Wu Lin Feng promotion, securing a first-round TKO victory over James Griffiths via strikes.[34] He followed this with a second-round TKO against John Vake on February 2, 2013, again finishing with strikes in a regional event.[34] These early bouts highlighted his striking pedigree from kickboxing, with both wins coming inside the distance without reliance on grappling exchanges.[2] After a period focused on kickboxing, Adesanya returned to MMA in 2015, defeating opponents in Chinese promotions including a second-round TKO via elbows against Gele Qing in Wu Lin Feng on August 8, 2015.[34] By this time, he had relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, joining City Kickboxing gym under coach Eugene Bareman to address deficiencies in his ground game, which was underdeveloped relative to his stand-up skills.[22] This training shift emphasized wrestling and submission defense, enabling him to compile an undefeated 5–0 pre-UFC record marked by four knockouts.[2] A pivotal win came on July 28, 2017, at Australian Fighting Championship 20, where Adesanya defeated UFC veteran Melvin Guillard by second-round TKO punches to claim the AFC middleweight title.[35] Guillard, a seasoned fighter with over 50 professional bouts but on a six-fight skid, tested Adesanya's grappling early by securing a near-rear-naked choke in the first round, empirically demonstrating the challenges of transitioning from a pure striker background.[36] Adesanya recovered, defended the position, and imposed his striking to finish the fight, underscoring improvements in composure and takedown defense honed at City Kickboxing.[34] This victory against a battle-tested opponent validated his regional dominance ahead of major promotion entry.[1]UFC Entry, Debut, and Path to Title Contention
Israel Adesanya signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in late 2017, transitioning from his successful kickboxing career in promotions like Glory.[37] He made his promotional debut on February 10, 2018, at UFC 221 in Perth, Australia, against Rob Wilkinson.[38] In the bout, Wilkinson initially pressured Adesanya with takedowns and ground strikes, but Adesanya recovered, defended subsequent attempts, and finished the fight with a TKO via punches at 3:37 of the second round after Wilkinson fatigued.[39][40] Adesanya's next fight came on July 6, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale in Las Vegas, where he faced veteran Brad Tavares in a main event.[41] Adesanya dominated the standup with precise striking, knees from the clinch, and effective distance management, outlanding Tavares 119-40 in significant strikes en route to a unanimous decision victory (50-45, 50-45, 49-46).[42][43] This performance earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and elevated his profile as a top middleweight prospect.[44] On November 3, 2018, at UFC 230 in New York, Adesanya encountered Derek Brunson, a wrestler with knockout power.[34] Brunson shot for early takedowns, but Adesanya sprawled effectively and countered with knees to the body in the clinch, dropping Brunson and finishing with punches for a first-round TKO at 0:49.[45] This quick stoppage against a ranked contender (#6 at the time) showcased Adesanya's clinch work and further solidified his contention trajectory.[46] Adesanya continued his streak on December 7, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 141 in Beijing against Marvin Vettori, who attempted grappling pressure. Adesanya stuffed takedowns, inflicted damage with elbows and strikes, and won a unanimous decision (30-27 x3). Following this, on February 9, 2019, at UFC 234 in Melbourne, he faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. Adesanya outstruck Silva over two rounds before landing a combination that led to a TKO stoppage at 3:42 of the second due to strikes.[45] These victories over experienced opponents demonstrated Adesanya's superior footwork, counterstriking, and ability to neutralize grappling threats. Culminating his path to title contention, Adesanya challenged Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship on April 13, 2019, at UFC 236 in Atlanta. In a competitive five-round war marked by Adesanya's four knockdowns and Gastelum's resilience despite weight miss issues, Adesanya secured the title via unanimous decision (48-46 x3), with judges scoring the final round 10-8 in his favor after a dominant display.[47][48] This win, earning Fight of the Night, positioned Adesanya as the top contender for unification against champion Robert Whittaker later that year.[49]First UFC Middleweight Championship and Initial Defenses
Adesanya secured the undisputed UFC Middleweight Championship in a unification bout against Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 on October 6, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia, winning by knockout in the second round at 3:33 via a counter left hook that dropped Whittaker followed by ground-and-pound strikes.[50][51] This victory extended Adesanya's undefeated streak to 18-0 and marked his first finish in a UFC title fight, showcasing his kickboxing-derived precision with 52 significant strikes landed at 58% accuracy before the stoppage.[4] The performance highlighted Adesanya's ability to counter Whittaker's pressure, landing a decisive knockdown that shifted momentum after a competitive first round where Whittaker absorbed early leg kicks.[34] Adesanya made his first title defense against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada, prevailing by unanimous decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 after five rounds.[52] Despite Romero's explosive wrestling attempts and late-round surges, Adesanya outlanded him 116-84 in significant strikes, including 7-of-8 leg kicks that visibly damaged Romero's mobility, while defending 5 of 6 takedown attempts to maintain distance and control the fight's pace.[53] The closely contested bout tested Adesanya's cardio, as Romero's power forced defensive adjustments in rounds 4 and 5, yet Adesanya's footwork and volume striking—averaging 4.64 significant strikes per minute—secured the win, affirming his technical edge over a perennial contender known for knockout power.[34] In his second defense, Adesanya faced Paulo Costa at UFC 253 on September 26, 2020, on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, stopping Costa via TKO in the second round at 3:59 with punches from mount after a series of leg kicks compromised Costa's base.[54] Adesanya dominated with 56 significant strikes to Costa's 21, achieving 62% striking accuracy and delivering multiple knockdowns through calf kicks that limited Costa's forward pressure, a strategy rooted in Adesanya's Muay Thai background.[4] This finish preserved Adesanya's perfect record at 20-0 and demonstrated his peak form in breaking aggressive brawlers, as Costa, undefeated at 13-0 entering, failed to mount offense after absorbing early damage.[34] Adesanya's third defense came against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263 on June 12, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona, where he won by unanimous decision with identical 50-45 scores across all judges.[55] Overcoming an early takedown and a cut from an accidental eye poke, Adesanya outstruck Vettori 164-54 in significant strikes, landing at 55% accuracy with effective use of jabs and knees in the clinch to dictate range and volume over five rounds.[4] His defensive head movement neutralized Vettori's grappling advances, defending 4 of 5 takedowns, while cardio held firm despite Vettori's pressure, underscoring Adesanya's evolution in blending striking precision with improved takedown defense during this reign.[34] During this period from 2019 to 2021, Adesanya's title fights reflected superior striking metrics compared to historical middleweight champions, with an average of 5.2 significant strikes absorbed per minute—lower than predecessors like Anderson Silva's 4.8—and a knockdown rate of 0.6 per 15 minutes across defenses, emphasizing his elusiveness and counterpunching efficacy.[4][56]| Defense | Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yoel Romero | UFC 248 | March 7, 2020 | Win | Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)[52] |
| 2 | Paulo Costa | UFC 253 | September 26, 2020 | Win | TKO (Punches), Round 2, 3:59[54] |
| 3 | Marvin Vettori | UFC 263 | June 12, 2021 | Win | Unanimous Decision (50-45 x3)[55] |
Second Title Reign, High-Profile Wins, and Rematches
Following his upset loss to Alex Pereira via fifth-round TKO at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022, in New York City, Adesanya sought immediate redemption in a rematch for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, in Miami, Florida.[57][58] Pereira, who had previously defeated Adesanya twice in Glory Kickboxing bouts between 2016 and 2017, entered as champion after just four UFC fights, leveraging his knockout power from those prior striking encounters.[34] Adesanya, absorbing early pressure including a knockdown in the first round, reversed momentum with precise counterstriking rooted in his kickboxing pedigree, landing a decisive right hand knockout at 4:21 of the second round to reclaim the title and initiate his second championship reign.[59] This victory, Adesanya's eighth finish in UFC competition, underscored his resilience in high-stakes rematches against power punchers, evening their professional rivalry at 2-2 across combat sports.[4] The brevity of Adesanya's second reign—spanning approximately five months—highlighted the division's volatility, with no interim defenses before his scheduled title retention against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on September 9, 2023, in Sydney, Australia.[1] Strickland, ranked No. 5 and on a four-fight win streak including a decision over Abus Magomedov, presented a stylistic challenge with his high-volume jab and pressure footwork, contrasting Adesanya's fluid, distance-managed striking.[2] Despite Adesanya's favoritism and history of 8-0 in UFC title fights prior, Strickland controlled the 25-minute bout, outlanding him 148-98 in significant strikes and securing a unanimous decision victory (49-46 across all cards), dethroning Adesanya in one of the division's most surprising outcomes.[60][4] This high-profile matchup, drawing over 18,000 attendees, exposed vulnerabilities in Adesanya's reactive style against unorthodox volume strikers, though it concluded his reign without successful defenses.[61]Consecutive Losses, 2023-2025 Skid, and Hiatus
Adesanya suffered his first career knockout loss in the UFC middleweight title bout against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on September 9, 2023, in Sydney, Australia, dropping a unanimous decision (49-46 on all cards) after five rounds.[62] Strickland outlanded Adesanya 148-101 in significant strikes, connecting on 52% of his attempts compared to Adesanya's 34%, while dominating with forward pressure and jab volume that limited Adesanya's counters.[63] Adesanya attempted no takedowns and absorbed heavy leg kicks, with 34 significant strikes to the legs, contributing to reduced mobility as the fight progressed.[63] Following an 11-month layoff, Adesanya returned to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024, in Perth, Australia, but was submitted via rear-naked choke at 3:38 of the fourth round.[64] Adesanya edged striking exchanges, landing 97 of 203 significant strikes (48% accuracy) to du Plessis's 90 of 197 (46%), yet du Plessis secured two takedowns in the fourth round—exploiting Adesanya's 50% takedown defense—and transitioned to the submission after grinding top control.[65] The loss highlighted vulnerabilities in Adesanya's grappling under prolonged fatigue, as he failed to reverse position despite scrambling effectively earlier.[64] Adesanya's three-fight skid concluded with a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Imavov landed a devastating punch at 0:30 of the second round.[66] In the first round, Adesanya outstruck Imavov 26-15 in significant strikes (52% to 48% accuracy), using kicks and distance management, but Imavov closed aggressively in round two, absorbing minimal damage before the finish.[66] Adesanya attempted no takedowns, and the quick knockout underscored lapses in head movement against precise counters, with Imavov exploiting openings from Adesanya's forward pressure.[67]| Fight | Opponent | Significant Strikes Landed (Accuracy) | Strikes Absorbed | Takedown Defense | Recovery/Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 293 (2023) | Strickland | 101 (34%) | 148 | 100% (0/0 attempted) | Full 5 rounds |
| UFC 305 (2024) | Du Plessis | 97 (48%) | 90 | 0% (0/2 defended) | Sub. R4, 3:38 |
| UFC FN (2025) | Imavov | 26 (52% in R1) | 15 (pre-KO) | N/A (no attempts) | KO R2, 0:30 |
Hall of Fame Induction and Prospects for Return
In February 2025, during the UFC 312 pay-per-view broadcast from Sydney, Australia, the UFC announced that Adesanya's five-round interim middleweight title fight against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 on April 13, 2019, would be inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.[71][72] The induction recognizes the bout's intensity and significance in establishing Adesanya's prominence in the division, with both fighters entering the Hall.[73] Adesanya's official UFC middleweight ranking fell out of the top five following the October 21, 2025, update, dropping to sixth place amid inactivity and recent losses.[74][75] In September 2025, City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman reported that Adesanya had resumed daily training sessions and was preparing for a possible UFC return by the end of the year, emphasizing that the fighter retained "a couple more" bouts in his career and rejecting speculation of retirement.[70][76] Adesanya has since indicated disinterest in pursuing an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland, stating he has "moved on" from the matchup despite prior interest, as Strickland shows no reciprocal intent for a near-term fight.[77][78][79]Professional Boxing Career
Entry into Boxing and Prizefighting Events
Adesanya entered professional boxing in November 2014, competing in the Super 8 Cruiserweight Tournament's elimination bout against Australian champion Daniel Ammann on November 22, resulting in a unanimous decision loss in his debut.[80][81] This initial foray served as an opportunity to adapt his kickboxing foundation to the pure pugilistic ruleset, emphasizing footwork and hand combinations without leg strikes or clinches, thereby diversifying his striking arsenal for potential crossover applications in mixed martial arts.[80] In March 2015, Adesanya re-entered the Super 8 prizefighting tournament format, a New Zealand-based event featuring rapid-fire bouts often spanning multiple rounds in a single night. On March 15, he advanced through the quarterfinals with a decision victory over Asher Derbyshire, followed by a semifinal win against Lance Bryant, and clinched the final via split decision over American Brian Minto after an extra round, securing the cruiserweight title.[80][82] Later that year, on November 15, he participated in a four-man Super 8 cruiserweight eliminator and final, defeating Zane Hopman and rematching Bryant for additional wins by decision.[80] These limited engagements—totaling six professional bouts with a 5-1 record, including one knockout—highlighted Adesanya's quick adaptation to boxing's constraints, prioritizing precision over volume to build resilience against orthodox punchers.[80] The prizefighting structure of Super 8 allowed testing endurance in successive fights, aligning with his strategic aim to refine stand-up defense and offensive timing amid a concurrent MMA career trajectory.[80] No further sanctioned boxing appearances followed, underscoring the exploratory nature of these efforts rather than a sustained pursuit.[80]Notable Matches and Outcomes
Adesanya competed in the Super 8 Cruiserweight Tournament on March 15, 2015, in Auckland, New Zealand, where he secured the title by defeating three opponents in a single night under professional boxing rules. He won unanimously against Asher Derbyshire in the quarterfinal, followed by a decision victory over Lance Bryant in the semifinal, and capped the event with another unanimous decision over Brian Minto in the final.[80] These outcomes showcased his endurance and technical striking in a format devoid of grappling or kicks, differing from MMA by emphasizing sustained punch-for-punch exchanges rooted in his kickboxing foundation.[80] Later that year, on November 15, 2015, Adesanya participated in another Super 8 Four Man Cruiserweight Tournament in Auckland, defeating Zane Hopman by decision in the eliminator bout and rematching Lance Bryant for a second win via decision in the final.[80] The pure boxing ruleset amplified the focus on footwork and punch accuracy without takedown threats, underscoring Adesanya's versatility claims in stand-up disciplines but also highlighting potential vulnerabilities to power punchers in the absence of MMA's ground game adaptations.[80] His early professional boxing record stands at 5 wins and 1 loss, with the sole defeat coming against Daniel Ammann on November 22, 2014, in a Super 8 elimination bout.[80] These regional successes contributed to his reputation as a striker transitioning to MMA, where the addition of grappling elements altered fight dynamics compared to boxing's stand-up purity. No professional boxing matches have occurred since 2015, limiting direct assessments of his evolution under boxing-specific rules post-MMA entry.[80]Fighting Style, Technique, and Athletic Attributes
Striking Arsenal and Kickboxing Roots
Israel Adesanya's striking arsenal derives primarily from his kickboxing foundation, where he amassed a professional record of 75-5 across various promotions, including Glory Kickboxing, before transitioning to mixed martial arts.[34] In Glory, Adesanya secured middleweight and light heavyweight titles through precise, high-volume combinations emphasizing range control and counterstriking, which he adapted to MMA by prioritizing stand-up exchanges over grappling threats.[83] This background enables him to maintain offensive pressure, landing an average of 4.46 significant strikes per minute in UFC bouts, a figure that ranks among the higher outputs for middleweight contenders.[84] Central to his toolkit are teep kicks (front push kicks), which he deploys to disrupt opponents' advances and manage distance, a tactic honed in kickboxing to neutralize aggressive pressure fighters. For instance, Adesanya frequently uses lead-leg teeps to create separation against charging grapplers, as observed in his UFC performances where such strikes prevent takedown entries by keeping foes at kicking range.[85] Complementing this are his knee strikes, often delivered in the clinch or as follow-ups to feinted entries, capitalizing on his 6'4" frame for upward trajectories that target the body or head during close-range flurries.[86] His check hooks, a boxing-derived counter from his Glory era, exemplify reactive precision; Adesanya landed a pivotal left check hook on Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 in October 2019, pivoting off the back foot to exploit forward momentum and secure a second-round knockout.[87] Adesanya's use of feints further amplifies his offensive efficiency, drawing reactions to open counters, with UFC analytics highlighting his ability to chain deceptive shoulder pumps or hand feints into committed strikes.[88] In adapting kickboxing distance management to MMA, he employs these feints to bait takedown attempts from wrestlers, then counters with knees or hooks upon their closure, maintaining a striking differential that favors volume over power.[89] This approach, verified through fight metrics showing 50.6% striking accuracy, underscores his reliance on kickboxing rhythm to dictate pace against diverse styles.[84]Grappling Adaptations and Defensive Strategies
Adesanya possesses a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, promoted by André Galvão in December 2020 after approximately eight years of consistent training, including sessions at City Kickboxing and specialized camps focused on MMA-specific applications.[90] His grappling curriculum prioritizes defensive protocols—such as clinch breaks, sprawl recoveries, and rapid returns to vertical positioning—over offensive submission chains, a pragmatic evolution driven by the need to neutralize grapplers while preserving energy for striking exchanges.[91] This approach stems from his kickboxing foundation, where early MMA career gaps in mat proficiency prompted targeted upskilling rather than full immersion in pure grappling arts. In UFC bouts, Adesanya's takedown defense stands at 76%, with successful resistances against high-volume attempts from wrestlers including Robert Whittaker (0 of 4 landed in their 2019 encounter) and Dricus du Plessis (0 of 4 at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024).[4] Empirical data highlights robust underhook retention and hip control in sprawls, yet vulnerabilities emerge in sustained chain wrestling scenarios, where opponents exploit transitional fatigue to accumulate control time, as evidenced in ground scrambles during losses to Whittaker (UFC 214, July 8, 2017, pre-UFC but indicative) and periods of clinch dominance against Strickland (UFC 293, September 9, 2023), indirectly eroding striking output.[92] These lapses underscore a causal link between his striker bias—favoring footwork drills over wrestling volume—and relative deficiencies in bottom-position reversals or guard retention under pressure. Following consecutive defeats from 2022 onward, Adesanya implemented grappling-centric refinements, including collaborative sessions with wrestlers like Michael Venom Page in early 2025 to enhance escape sequencing and positional dominance.[93] Coach Eugene Bareman noted "drastic changes" in camp regimens by January 2025, integrating data-tracked workload for wrestling-specific conditioning to address fatigue-induced breakdowns observed in empirical fight metrics.[94] Such adaptations mitigate inherent striker vulnerabilities without overhauling core attributes, though critics argue persistent offensive grappling limitations—zero UFC submissions attempted or landed—leave him exposed to elite control artists in prolonged ground wars.[4]Physical Conditioning, Strengths, and Criticisms
Israel Adesanya stands at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall with an 80-inch (203 cm) reach, attributes that provide significant advantages in the UFC middleweight division where fighters typically average shorter statures.[4] These measurements enable him to maintain distance in striking exchanges, leveraging his kickboxing background for effective range management.[96] Adesanya's training regimen at City Kickboxing under head coach Eugene Bareman emphasizes daily sessions incorporating cardio, strength training, sparring, wrestling, and shadowboxing to build endurance and power.[97] He incorporates long runs on inclines and pool-based workouts two to three times weekly to enhance oxygen threshold and breathing control, contributing to his demonstrated cardio sustainability in extended bouts.[98][99] Strength and conditioning work with specialist Abiola Beckley focuses on functional athleticism rather than maximal lifts, prioritizing recovery protocols to sustain performance.[100] Critics have noted concerns regarding Adesanya's punch resistance, particularly following knockout losses that highlighted potential vulnerabilities in his defensive durability as he entered his mid-30s.[101] At age 36 in 2025, debates persist over age-related declines in speed and recovery capacity, with analysts attributing subtle reductions in reaction time to cumulative wear from high-level competition.[102][103] These observations, drawn from performance analyses, question whether his frame's advantages can offset evolving physical limitations without enhanced protective adaptations.[104]Championships and Accomplishments
Kickboxing and Muay Thai Titles
Adesanya captured the Glory Kickboxing middleweight championship on October 10, 2017, defeating Jason Wilnis via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) at Glory 46: Chicago, though the outcome drew significant controversy with many observers favoring Wilnis.[105] He vacated the title in 2018 without recording a defense to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.[29] Prior to his Glory tenure, Adesanya dominated regional kickboxing circuits in New Zealand, winning three King in the Ring eight-man tournaments: the 86 kg division in 2014 (defeating opponents including semis and finals en route to the championship) and 2015, and the 100 kg cruiserweight class in 2015, showcasing a streak of nine victories across three nights in the latter event.[106] These triumphs contributed to his pre-Glory record of over 30 undefeated bouts in New Zealand promotions.[22] In Muay Thai, Adesanya secured the WBC Muay Thai International Cruiserweight Championship in 2014, along with the World Muaythai Council (WMC) Oceania Cruiserweight title that same year, establishing regional dominance before transitioning to professional kickboxing.[107] His overall professional kickboxing and Muay Thai record stands at approximately 75 wins against 5 losses, with around 27 knockouts or technical knockouts, reflecting a knockout rate near 36 percent across roughly 80 bouts.[108]Mixed Martial Arts Achievements
Adesanya captured the UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time on October 6, 2019, knocking out Robert Whittaker in the second round at UFC 243.[4] During his initial reign, which spanned from October 2019 until November 2022, he made four successful defenses: unanimous decision over Yoel Romero at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020; second-round TKO of Paulo Costa at UFC 253 on September 26, 2020; split decision against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263 on June 12, 2021; and unanimous decision rematch victory over Whittaker at UFC 271 on February 12, 2022.[34] [4] The reign concluded with a fifth-round knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022.[34] He reclaimed the title in his second reign on April 8, 2023, securing a second-round knockout over Pereira at UFC 287, but recorded no defenses before submitting to Dricus du Plessis in the second round at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023.[34] [4] Adesanya's combined time as champion exceeded 1,100 days across both reigns, with his first stint noted for its emphasis on high-volume striking exchanges in title bouts.[1] In UFC competition, Adesanya achieved a nine-fight winning streak from February 2018 to September 2020, encompassing his debut knockout of Rob Wilkinson, unanimous decision over Brad Tavares, TKO of Anderson Saint Preux, and subsequent victories leading to the interim title win against Kelvin Gastelum. This run contributed to his overall professional record reaching 20-0 before his first career defeat.[2] Post-loss adjustments yielded additional title wins, though subsequent defeats marked the end of prolonged unbeaten stretches.[34] Adesanya has received eight UFC post-fight bonuses, tying for third-most in middleweight history, including Performance of the Night awards for his finishes against Whittaker at UFC 243, Costa at UFC 253, and Pereira at UFC 287.[56] His unanimous decision over Gastelum at UFC 236 on April 13, 2019, earned Fight of the Night and was recognized as MMA Fighting's 2019 Fight of the Year for its back-and-forth striking volume exceeding 400 significant strikes landed combined. Other bonuses include Fight of the Night for bouts with Whittaker and Vettori, highlighting his role in generating competitive main events.[56]Boxing Records and Recognitions
Adesanya's professional boxing career spanned six bouts from November 2014 to 2015, yielding a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, including 1 knockout victory and a knockout percentage of 20% across 18 total rounds fought.[80] His debut win came via unanimous decision against Eugene Pauli on November 22, 2014, in Auckland, New Zealand. Subsequent victories followed against opponents such as Sidney Wheeler (unanimous decision, December 2014) and others in regional New Zealand promotions, but the sole loss occurred by technical knockout to Hemana Amai on February 21, 2015.[80] These early fights demonstrated competent striking fundamentals derived from his kickboxing base, though punch accuracy and output statistics from the bouts remain undocumented in major databases beyond basic outcomes.[109] In contrast to his extensive accolades in mixed martial arts and kickboxing, Adesanya garnered no regional belts, national titles, or formal recognitions in professional boxing, reflecting the limited scope and developmental nature of this phase prior to his transition to full-time prizefighting in stand-up disciplines.[110] No exhibition boxing matches or cross-promotional boxing events featuring Adesanya have been recorded post-2015, with his combat sports focus shifting decisively away from pure boxing rulesets.[80]Personal Life
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Israel Adesanya, the eldest child of Oluwafemi Adesanya, an accountant, and Taiwo Adesanya, a nurse, was raised in a Yoruba family that emigrated from Nigeria to New Zealand when he was around 10 years old.[5] His parents instilled strong family values, emphasizing respect and sibling protection, with Oluwafemi guiding Adesanya toward financial prudence, including early investments in real estate as a post-career safeguard.[111] [112] Taiwo initially opposed his pursuit of kickboxing, reportedly crying upon his decision to prioritize combat sports over conventional paths, reflecting parental concerns for stability amid the family's immigrant experience.[111] Adesanya shares a particularly close bond with his brother David, who supports his career by managing aspects of his YouTube channel, which exceeds one million subscribers, and assisting with event logistics.[113] David, a producer active in media and combat sports circles, has publicly emulated Adesanya's techniques, such as spinning back kicks, and frequently appears at high-profile events like weigh-ins, underscoring their collaborative dynamic.[114] Adesanya also has other siblings, including brother Samuel and sisters Deborah and Bolu, though he maintains discretion about their personal lives.[10] In romantic matters, Adesanya dated Charlotte Powdrell, a New Zealand real estate broker and former nurse, for several years until their breakup in 2021, after which she unsuccessfully sought a significant financial settlement in court, citing the relationship's duration.[115] [116] Following this, Adesanya has publicly prioritized privacy, avoiding disclosures about current partnerships amid heightened scrutiny from fame.[117]Lifestyle, Mental Health, and Post-Fight Reflections
Adesanya resides in Auckland, New Zealand, where he owns multiple properties and has invested in local real estate developments, including a 43-unit apartment complex in Mount Wellington and a subdivision named Adesanya Close valued as part of his over $20 million portfolio.[118][119] He maintains a disciplined training regimen at City Kickboxing in Auckland, incorporating intense sessions focused on mindset and willpower, such as a grueling endurance workout with ultramarathoner David Goggins in 2025 that emphasized discipline over fleeting motivation.[120] Outside of fighting, Adesanya pursues interests in anime, citing influences from series like Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, and Berserk that shape his personal philosophy and fighting persona.[121] In 2023, following his upset loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on September 9, Adesanya announced a hiatus from competition, attributing it to mental burnout from a relentless schedule—fighting three times in 2022 and twice in 2023—rather than physical injury, with signs of fatigue emerging even before his 2022 bouts against Alex Pereira.[69] He returned at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024, against Dricus du Plessis, describing the break as necessary for mental recovery. Adesanya has openly discussed using therapy to address emotional crashes, such as one after his 2018 UFC debut, and psychedelics as tools for managing career-related stress and enhancing self-awareness.[122][123] Post-fight reflections often highlight Adesanya's emphasis on mental maintenance, as in his 2023 comments after the Strickland defeat where he urged proactive care for psychological well-being regardless of clinical illness. In his 2024 documentary Stylebender, he confessed to darker mental health struggles, stressing the need to "learn to control it" through self-regulation amid fame's pressures.[124] Adesanya has also declined high-profile acting opportunities, including roles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Creed II, and Creed III, prioritizing UFC commitments during his rivalry with Pereira over Hollywood pursuits.[125]Public Views and Commentary
Expressed Opinions on Politics and Society
Adesanya has recounted personal encounters with racism upon immigrating to New Zealand from Nigeria, stating in a September 2020 interview that he "didn't realise me being Black was a problem, until I got to NZ," citing experiences of subtle prejudice and exclusion not evident in his birthplace.[126][15] At a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Auckland on June 2, 2020, he described repeated racial profiling, including store staff shadowing him and white pedestrians flinching in fear, framing these as manifestations of systemic anti-Black bias requiring societal acknowledgment without excusing individual overreactions.[127][128] He has pushed back against reductive identity-based framing, emphasizing in the same September 2020 discussion that observers often impose political interpretations on him, responding, "I'm not the person to be looking at for political takes. I'm a fighter."[15] This reflects a broader aversion to identity politics overshadowing personal agency and merit, prioritizing empirical self-determination over collective narratives that might amplify division. On freedom of expression, Adesanya affirmed its value in a March 2022 BBC interview, advocating for unfiltered discourse amid fame's constraints, while critiquing over-sensitivity in October 2021 by declaring "a joke is a joke," rejecting demands to retract humor under public pressure as stifling authentic interaction.[129][130] Such positions have drawn mixed reception, with supporters praising resilience against conformity and detractors arguing they downplay harm from provocative speech in polarized contexts. Adesanya endorses merit-driven equity in sports compensation, contending in February 2022 that UFC fighters warrant remuneration scaled to their proven draw and skill—eschewing lavish debutant payouts in favor of rewarding sustained excellence akin to NBA or NFL stars—while his manager highlighted pay transparency for collective leverage without endorsing union structures.[131][132] He lauded Francis Ngannou's 2023 UFC exit for lucrative boxing bouts as pioneering empowerment through individual negotiation over institutional dependency.[133] This meritocratic lens contrasts equity-focused critiques of industry disparities, though Adesanya counters that performance, not parity mandates, causally drives value in competitive arenas.[134]Interactions with Media and Public Figures
Adesanya's pre-fight promotional style features a blend of sharp verbal provocations, self-deprecating humor, and performative flair, including dance routines that amplify event hype and differentiate him from more stoic competitors. At UFC 243 on October 6, 2019, he entered the octagon with an elaborate dance sequence ahead of his knockout victory over Robert Whittaker, which helped draw a record 57,127 attendees to Melbourne's Marvel Stadium.[135] Similar theatrics preceded his UFC 293 main event walkout in Sydney on September 10, 2023, energizing crowds despite the subsequent upset loss to Sean Strickland.[136] This approach has demonstrated psychological efficacy against rivals, with Whittaker conceding in July 2021 that Adesanya's taunts penetrated his mindset, rendering him "very emotional" during their initial encounters and contributing to his vulnerability.[137] Exchanges with UFC President Dana White highlight tensions over fight selection; White urged Adesanya in mid-2023 to skip the Strickland bout following his UFC 287 triumph over Alex Pereira, citing accumulated wealth exceeding $10 million in career earnings and recommending a safer interim defense instead.[138] Adesanya overrode the advice to capitalize on headlining in Australia, a decision he later deemed regrettable amid his post-loss career trajectory.[139] Adesanya leverages social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for unfiltered fan engagement, posting training updates, promotional content, and rebuttals that sustain his visibility between fights. This directness has fueled backlash, such as fan criticism over perceived over-entertainment on the platform despite UFC 293 generating $62.85 million in pay-per-view revenue from 1.7 million buys.[140] His style's market impact is evident in events like UFC 281 on November 12, 2022, where his persona helped drive substantial buys amid broader UFC revenue growth, though isolated remarks have prompted rebukes from public figures including New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in March 2021 for crossing into inflammatory territory.[141][142]Stance on Fighters' Rights and Industry Issues
Adesanya has expressed frustration with UFC fighter pay structures, arguing that top performers like himself deserve compensation commensurate with the promotion's revenue, while acknowledging the merit-based nature of earnings in the sport. In February 2022, following his UFC 271 title defense, he stated hopes for increased pay across the roster, emphasizing that fighters generate significant value akin to major sports leagues.[143] He has critiqued restrictive contracts, calling Francis Ngannou's 2022 dispute with UFC "atrocious" yet predicting the organization would ultimately "do right" by its champions, reflecting a pragmatic view that loyalty and performance yield better outcomes than free agency risks.[144] Despite re-signing a multi-fight extension in early 2022 without testing the market—citing concerns that athletes "shouldn't have to have a second or third job"—Adesanya has defended the UFC model, prioritizing stability and upside for elite earners over collective bargaining.[145][146] Regarding performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), Adesanya maintains a staunch anti-doping stance, bolstered by his verified clean testing record under the UFC Anti-Doping Program, which reached 50 negative tests by June 2022.[147] He has vehemently denied personal use, offering $3 million in June 2022 to anyone providing "concrete evidence" of PED involvement, framing accusations as baseless attacks on his natural physique and conditioning.[148] Adesanya has criticized historical PED offenders like Jon Jones, highlighting the unfair advantages they gain and the integrity costs to clean athletes, while underscoring his own steroid-free approach informed by documentaries like Icarus.[149][150] Adesanya advocates for expanded mental health resources in combat sports, drawing from personal experiences with therapy and alternative therapies to manage post-fight stress and isolation. In May 2025, he credited psychedelics and professional therapy for aiding his career resilience, recommending them as tools for fighters confronting psychological pressures unique to the industry.[122] He has promoted vulnerability among male athletes, sharing in 2023 how mental health work fostered empathy and perspective, and encouraged peers to seek expert support rather than suppress struggles.[151][152] This realism tempers his calls for institutional investment in counseling, prioritizing individual accountability alongside systemic aids to prevent burnout in a high-stakes, merit-driven field.[153]Controversies and Legal Incidents
Inflammatory Pre-Fight Remarks and 9/11 Reference
In February 2020, ahead of his UFC 248 title defense against Yoel Romero on March 7, Israel Adesanya made controversial remarks during a press conference in Auckland, New Zealand, stating that Romero would "crumble like the Twin Towers" if defeated, invoking the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.[154][155] The comment was framed as hyperbole to emphasize the scale of an upset, given Romero's reputation as an undefeated force in wrestling and striking, whom Adesanya positioned himself against as unafraid.[156][157] The remark drew immediate backlash from media outlets and fans, who labeled it insensitive and tone-deaf, particularly as it trivialized a tragedy that killed 2,977 people in the United States.[155][158] Critics, including some in combat sports commentary, argued it crossed into poor taste beyond typical pre-fight trash talk, which often employs extreme metaphors but rarely references mass casualties.[157] Adesanya issued an apology on February 23, 2020, via social media and interviews, attributing the lapse to his background—born in Nigeria and raised in New Zealand—lacking full awareness of the cultural weight of 9/11 references in American contexts, and committing to greater caution in future rhetoric.[154][156] He later expressed indifference to potential boos at the event, reiterating the apology while defending the intent as promotional hype.[159] While some viewed the backlash as warranted given the comment's invocation of a national trauma, others in the MMA community dismissed it as an overreaction, noting the genre's history of graphic, hyperbolic trash talk—such as threats of violence or death—without equating to endorsement of real harm.[155][154] The incident did not result in formal UFC repercussions, and Adesanya retained his title via unanimous decision over Romero.[158]Derogatory Comments on Opponents and Gender
During the buildup to his UFC 253 bout against Paulo Costa on September 26, 2020, Adesanya engaged in provocative trash talk that included homoerotic undertones, such as implying mutual attraction or dominance in sexually charged terms, which Costa reciprocated in a heated video conference exchange.[160] Following his second-round technical knockout victory over Costa, Adesanya amplified the antagonism by performing a brief simulated humping gesture over the downed opponent while awaiting medical attention, a move that drew immediate backlash for its perceived disrespect and homophobic implications in a sport emphasizing hyper-masculine posturing.[161] [162] Costa publicly denounced the act, labeling Adesanya "human trash" and demanding a rematch, while some fans and commentators viewed it as crossing into gratuitous humiliation rather than competitive rivalry.[163] [164] Adesanya defended the gesture as intentional psychological disruption, not endorsement of any orientation, attributing public outrage to underlying homophobia among critics who overreacted to male-on-male physical mockery in a context of feigned bravado.[165] [166] He positioned such tactics within MMA's tradition of unfiltered verbal and performative warfare to erode an opponent's composure, contrasting it with more restrained sports where similar antics might face harsher scrutiny.[167] This incident exemplified a broader pattern in Adesanya's prefight and postfight conduct, including air-humping motions directed at other rivals like Robert Whittaker to evoke discomfort and assert dominance through emasculation-themed provocation.[168] Critics, including figures outside MMA, argued that Adesanya's reliance on gender-bending or sexuality-implying barbs perpetuated harmful stereotypes, potentially alienating audiences in an era of heightened sensitivity to such rhetoric, though supporters countered that MMA's combative culture inherently tolerates edgy trash talk as free expression absent explicit threats.[141] Adesanya maintained that interpreting his actions as derogatory toward gender or orientation misconstrued their purpose as mind games, not literal judgments, and he has not issued formal apologies, instead doubling down on authenticity in a promotion where psychological edges often decide outcomes.[169] No formal complaints or sanctions from the UFC followed, reflecting the organization's tolerance for fighter autonomy in hype-building amid debates over boundaries in "macho" combat sports.[167]Arrests Involving Weapons and Driving Infractions
On November 16, 2022, Israel Adesanya was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York shortly after his UFC 281 loss to Alex Pereira, charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after TSA officers discovered brass knuckles in his backpack during security screening.[170][171] The possession of metal knuckles is prohibited under New York Penal Law, carrying a potential penalty of up to one year in jail.[172] Adesanya was released without bail, and on December 6, 2022, the Queens County District Attorney's office announced the charge would be dismissed conditional on him avoiding further arrests in the county for six months, a resolution confirmed as completed without further incident.[172][173] In New Zealand, Adesanya faced a separate legal issue on August 19, 2023, when police stopped his vehicle in Auckland and recorded his blood alcohol concentration at 87 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 50 milligrams.[174][175] He pleaded guilty to the charge on September 24, 2023, in Auckland District Court, where the maximum possible penalties included up to three months imprisonment or a fine of NZ$4,500.[174][176] On January 9, 2024, the court discharged him without a conviction to preserve his professional fighting career, imposing instead a six-month driving disqualification, a NZ$1,500 payment to an accredited drunk-driving prevention program, and a requirement to complete an alcohol and drug assessment.[175][177] Neither incident resulted in incarceration, though sports media coverage highlighted potential reputational risks amid Adesanya's high-profile status, with resolutions reflecting judicial consideration of his employment dependencies over punitive measures.[174][175]Road Rage, Misinformation, and Recent Social Media Backlash
In September 2024, Adesanya was involved in a road rage confrontation in Auckland, New Zealand, after stopping at a food vendor on Karangahape Road.[178] A motorist approached him aggressively, leading to a verbal exchange captured on video where Adesanya spat toward the individual before entering his vehicle and departing without physical contact.[179] Adesanya subsequently filed a police complaint against the man, alleging racial slurs were used during the incident, though no charges were pressed against Adesanya himself and the matter did not escalate legally beyond the verbal dispute.[180] In addressing the event publicly in November 2024, Adesanya emphasized his reluctance for street altercations, citing the fatal stabbing of a close friend in a similar unplanned brawl years prior, stating, "I don't like street fights" and framing his response as defensive problem-solving rather than initiation.[181] Adesanya has encountered misinformation in various contexts, including unsubstantiated rumors about potential fight matchups, such as fabricated reports of a bout against Khamzat Chimaev that UFC president Dana White publicly debunked in February 2024, urging fans to verify sources amid rampant online falsehoods.[182] Separately, in August 2024, Adesanya retracted initial social media comments questioning the gender of Olympic boxer Imane Khelif amid her controversy, admitting he had acted on incomplete information and apologizing for contributing to the spread of unverified claims, noting that "a lot of people got it wrong, there was misinformation."[183] In October 2025, Adesanya faced significant social media backlash following a viral video clip from his Instagram where he poured a dark liquor shot into a glass embedded with a bullet casing, dubbing it the "Kirk shot" in reference to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, accompanied by a quip teasing a "black joke" that some interpreted as a racially charged pun on violence or Kirk's politics.[184][185] The post, viewed over 750,000 times, drew accusations of insensitivity or racism from critics who viewed the "black" reference—potentially alluding to the liquor's color, a gunshot implication, or Kirk's ideological targets—as promoting harmful stereotypes, particularly given Adesanya's history of provocative humor.[186] Supporters countered that the remark exemplified Adesanya's style of edgy, irreverent commentary aimed at right-leaning figures like Kirk, whom he has critiqued for cultural conservatism, rather than racial animus, highlighting perceived overreactions in left-leaning media outlets sensitive to such boundary-pushing satire targeting their opponents.[187] Adesanya has not issued an apology, maintaining his unfiltered approach to social commentary amid the uproar.[188]Professional Records
Mixed Martial Arts Fight Record
Adesanya holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 24 wins and 5 losses (16 by knockout or technical knockout, 8 by decision; losses comprising 2 by knockout or technical knockout, 1 by submission, and 2 by decision), current as of February 1, 2025.[34] Of these, his UFC record is 13–5.[4] He entered the UFC undefeated at 11–0, with all victories by knockout or technical knockout.Pre-UFC Record
| Result | Opponent | Event | Date | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | James Griffiths | SFC 9 - Supremacy Fighting Championship 9 | Mar 24, 2012 | TKO (punches) | 1 | 2:09 |
| Win | John Vake | Shuriken MMA - Best of the Best | Jun 15, 2013 | TKO (punches) | 1 | 4:43 |
| Win | Kenan Song | WFC - The Legend Of Emei 3 | Aug 08, 2015 | TKO (head kick) | 1 | 1:59 |
| Win | Maui Tuigamala | FPF - Fair Pay Fighting 1 | Sep 05, 2015 | KO (kick to body) | 2 | 1:25 |
| Win | Gele Qing | WLF - Wu Lin Feng 2015 | Sep 19, 2015 | TKO (elbows) | 2 | 3:37 |
| Win | Vladimir Katykhin | WLF - E.P.I.C. 1 | Jan 13, 2016 | TKO (doctor stoppage) | 2 | N/A |
| Win | Dibir Zagirov | WLF - E.P.I.C. 2 | Mar 13, 2016 | TKO (punches) | 2 | 2:23 |
| Win | Andrew Flores Smith | Glory of Heroes 2 | May 07, 2016 | TKO (corner stoppage) | 1 | 5:00 |
| Win | Murad Kuramagomedov | WLF - E.P.I.C. 4 | May 28, 2016 | TKO (punches) | 2 | 1:05 |
| Win | Melvin Guillard | AFC 20 - Australian Fighting Championship 20 | Jul 28, 2017 | TKO (punches) | 1 | 4:49 |
| Win | Stuart Dare | HFS - Hex Fight Series 12 | Nov 24, 2017 | KO (head kick) | 1 | 4:53 |
UFC Record
| Result | Opponent | Event | Date | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Rob Wilkinson | UFC 221 | Feb 10, 2018 | TKO (knees and punches) | 2 | 3:37 |
| Win | Marvin Vettori | UFC on Fox 29 | Apr 14, 2018 | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Brad Tavares | UFC - The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale | Jul 06, 2018 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Derek Brunson | UFC 230 | Nov 03, 2018 | TKO (knees and punches) | 1 | 4:51 |
| Win | Anderson Silva | UFC 234 | Feb 09, 2019 | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Kelvin Gastelum | UFC 236 | Apr 13, 2019 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Robert Whittaker | UFC 243 | Oct 05, 2019 | KO (punches) | 2 | 3:33 |
| Win | Yoel Romero | UFC 248 | Mar 07, 2020 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Paulo Costa | UFC 253 | Sep 26, 2020 | TKO (punches and elbows) | 2 | 3:59 |
| Loss | Jan Błachowicz | UFC 259 | Mar 06, 2021 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Marvin Vettori | UFC 263 | Jun 12, 2021 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Robert Whittaker | UFC 271 | Feb 12, 2022 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Jared Cannonier | UFC 276 | Jul 02, 2022 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Alex Pereira | UFC 281 | Nov 12, 2022 | TKO (punches) | 5 | 2:01 |
| Win | Alex Pereira | UFC 287 | Apr 08, 2023 | KO (punches) | 2 | 4:21 |
| Loss | Sean Strickland | UFC 293 | Sep 09, 2023 | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Dricus du Plessis | UFC 305 | Aug 17, 2024 | Submission (face crank) | 4 | 3:38 |
| Loss | Nassourdine Imavov | UFC Fight Night 250 | Feb 01, 2025 | TKO (punches) | 2 | 0:30 |
Kickboxing and Muay Thai Record
Adesanya compiled an undefeated amateur kickboxing record of 32–0 while competing in New Zealand's local scene under coach Eugene Bareman.[22][24] His professional record in kickboxing and Muay Thai, accumulated prior to his mixed martial arts debut in 2012, stands at 75 wins and 5 losses, with 27 victories by knockout and one loss by knockout.[110][29][24] These bouts spanned promotions in New Zealand, Australia, China, and international events, featuring opponents such as Alex Pereira (to whom he suffered a first-round knockout loss via liver kick on March 4, 2017, at Glory of Heroes 7) and regional strikers in Muay Thai rulesets early in his career.[29]| Discipline | Wins-Losses | By Knockout (Wins/Losses) |
|---|---|---|
| Amateur Kickboxing | 32–0 | Not specified |
| Professional Kickboxing/Muay Thai | 75–5 | 27/1 |
Boxing Record
Israel Adesanya's professional boxing career was brief, confined to six bouts in New Zealand during 2014 and 2015 as part of the Super 8 cruiserweight tournament format, which featured rapid tournament-style eliminations often spanning multiple fights per event night.[80] He amassed a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, with one knockout victory, competing under standard boxing rules without kicks or additional strikes.[80] The following table details his bouts:| Date | Opponent | Result | Event Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2014 | Daniel Ammann | Loss | Super 8 Elimination Bout | North Shore Event Centre, Auckland |
| March 15, 2015 | Asher Derbyshire | Win | Super 8 Quarter-Final | Horncastle Arena, Christchurch |
| March 15, 2015 | Lance Bryant | Win | Super 8 Semi-Final | Horncastle Arena, Christchurch |
| March 15, 2015 | Brian Minto | Win | Super 8 Final | Horncastle Arena, Christchurch |
| November 15, 2014 | Zane Hopman | Win | Super 8 Eliminator | SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland |
| November 15, 2014 | Lance Bryant | Win | Super 8 Final | SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland |