Israel Adesanya fights like a dancer: loose, precise and theatrical, with anime-inspired walkouts and taunts. For years, the Nigerian-born New Zealander was the best middleweight in the UFC.
Lagos to Rotorua
Adesanya was born in Lagos, the eldest of five children. He attended Chrisland School in Opebi and tried taekwondo as a child. His family lived briefly in Ghana, then moved to New Zealand, settling in Rotorua when he was 10.
Kickboxing
Adesanya became a kickboxer, fighting in New Zealand, China and elsewhere. At 21, he moved to Auckland to train at City Kickboxing under Eugene Bareman, alongside future UFC stars including Alexander Volkanovski and Dan Hooker. He also fought in Glory, one of the top kickboxing organisations.
Pereira
In kickboxing, Adesanya lost twice to the Brazilian Alex Pereira, the second time by knockout. The rivalry would follow him into the UFC.
The UFC
Adesanya signed with the UFC in late 2017 and won his early fights impressively. In 2019, he won the interim middleweight title and then knocked out Australia’s Robert Whittaker in Melbourne to become undisputed champion.
Champion
He defended the title several times, beating top contenders with his striking and ring intelligence. He also moved up in weight to challenge for the light-heavyweight title but lost.
Losing and winning back
In November 2022, Pereira, now in the UFC, stopped Adesanya to take the middleweight title. In April 2023, Adesanya knocked Pereira out in their rematch to win it back, one of the most dramatic moments in UFC history. He later lost the title to Sean Strickland.
Nigerian pride
Adesanya has often spoken about his Nigerian roots and carries both the Nigerian and New Zealand flags. His success, alongside Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou, made Africans a major force in the UFC.
Beyond fighting
Adesanya has spoken openly about mental health and about the pressure of fame. He has also built a career in media and sponsorships, becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars outside the cage.
Style and personality
Adesanya’s nickname, “The Last Stylebender”, comes from anime, which he loves. His walkouts, dances and outspoken interviews made him one of the most recognisable fighters in the sport.
A dancer with a knockout
Adesanya was bullied as a child and has spoken about using martial arts to find confidence. The boy from Lagos who was picked on at school became a champion whose rivals studied his every move.
