Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya is a Nigerian and New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer who has achieved multiple championships in all three disciplines. He currently competes in the Middleweight division in the UFC.
Israel Adesanya is a highly acclaimed mixed martial artist who has won the admiration of millions through his remarkable skills and abilities.
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During his younger years, he was an anime enthusiast and took up Martial Arts as a means to confront and stand up to his bullies.
With courage and talent, Israel Adesanya captivates people with his unique artistry.
After finding inspiration from the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak, Israel delved into kickboxing, amassing an impressive amateur record of 32–0 before turning professional and competing in China.
In November 2014, Adesanya embarked on his professional boxing career. In December 2017, he signed a contract with the UFC, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
As of September 29, 2020, Israel holds the number three spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound list. His striking abilities make him one of the most skilled fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.
Presently, Israel Adesanya competes in the UFC’s Middleweight division. As of 2022, he holds the #1 ranking in the UFC middleweight division and is ranked #6 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Let’s now delve into the journey he has embarked on so far. But before we do, let’s take a look at a few quick facts about him.
Table of Contents
Israel Adesanya’s Profile Summary
| Full Name | Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya |
| Nick Name | Last Style Bender |
| Age | 33 Years Old |
| Height | 6’4″/1.93 m/193 cm |
| Weight | 84kg/185lb |
| Horoscope | Caner-Leo Astrological Cusp |
| Date Of Birth | July 22, 1989 |
| Birth Place | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Religion | Atheist |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Nigerian |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Skin Colour | Black |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Kids | None |
| Father’s Name | Oluwafemi |
| Mother’s Name | Taiwo |
| Siblings | 5; Names Aren’t Public |
| High School | Rotorua Boys’ High School |
| University | Drop Out |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist |
| Active From | 2010 |
| Rank In Welterweight Kickboxing | Third Or #3 |
| Team | Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Team |
| Total Kickboxing Record | 80 |
| Total MMA Record | 25 |
| Trainer | Eugene Bareman: Head CoachAndrei Păuleț: Wrestling |
| Net Worth | $2 million Approx |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, Twitter |
Israel Adesanya Biography
Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Israel Adesanya spent a significant portion of his early life in Ghana before relocating to New Zealand at the age of 10. His educational journey took him to Rotorua Boys High School and later to the University of Auckland, where he pursued studies in human resources and psychology.
After completing his academic pursuits, Adesanya embarked on a professional career in kickboxing, where he showcased remarkable talent by securing numerous titles and triumphing in various tournaments throughout the years.
It was during this phase that he stumbled upon mixed martial arts (MMA), igniting a passion that would shape his future. He decided to venture into MMA, commencing his training at City Kickboxing, a renowned gym in New Zealand that has produced several UFC champions, including Dan Hooker and middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
Adesanya’s skills and dedication in MMA propelled him swiftly up the ranks, securing impressive victories against formidable opponents such as Rob Wilkinson, Brad Tavares, and Anderson Silva, among others. His hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence eventually paid off in 2018 when he earned a contract with the UFC after amassing an impressive 14-0 record as an amateur fighter.
Since joining the UFC’s middleweight division, Adesanya has continued his meteoric rise, boasting an unblemished record of 7-0. Notably, he claimed victory over Kelvin Gastelum to secure the interim belt and later defeated Robert Whittaker to be crowned the undisputed champion in the division.
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Israel Adesanya’s Career
Israel Adesanya, born in Nigeria and now a professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer based in New Zealand, holds prestigious titles in the fighting world. Notably, he is the current UFC middleweight champion and also holds the Glory Middleweight Championship. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be an impressive $12 million.
Adesanya’s journey in the fighting arena began in 2012 when he made his professional debut at K-1: World Grand Prix in Auckland, securing a victory against Jamie Eades. From there on, his career soared, marked by notable triumphs against formidable opponents like Brad Riddell and Melvin Manhoef.
The turning point came in 2018 when Adesanya inked a deal with the UFC and embarked on a remarkable winning streak, with his first four fights culminating in knockout or technical knockout victories. In April 2019, he achieved the status of interim middleweight champion after a remarkable win against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236. Later that same year, Adesanya solidified his position as the undisputed champion in the division by defeating Robert Whittaker.
The year 2020 saw Adesanya successfully defend his title twice, taking down Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa in two memorable bouts. These victories further cemented his status as one of the most exceptional fighters in the history of MMA. As a result of his outstanding performances, he received numerous accolades, including Performance of The Night bonus awards from the UFC and the prestigious Fight of The Year award from ESPN MMA Awards 2020, which he earned for both of these unforgettable fights.
Personal Life
Before delving into his fighting career, Adesanya’s passion for dance led him to participate in dance contests all across New Zealand. This love for dancing was showcased during a choreographed strike he executed at UFC 243, adding a unique flair to his fighting style.
Beyond his fighting prowess, Adesanya proudly embraces his love for anime and has ambitious plans for the future. Upon retiring from fighting, he aims to establish an anime production company, demonstrating his commitment to the world of animation.
His moniker, “The Last Stylebender,” pays homage to the anime-influenced cartoon series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. The show’s impact is further emphasized by his forearm tattoo, which depicts one of its central characters, Toph Beifong.
Not just limited to his interests in anime, Adesanya’s involvement in social issues is evident. He publicly endorsed the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum, showcasing his support for progressive changes.
Furthermore, Adesanya has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first mixed martial arts champion to secure a sponsorship deal with Puma. This significant move took place in September 2020, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the world of sports and beyond.
Net Worth, Bonus & Endorsement Deals
When Israel made his UFC debut at UFC 221 against Rob Wilkinson, he secured an impressive deal that granted him a show purse of $50,000 with an additional $50,000 win bonus. This was a substantial sum for a newcomer in the organization, highlighting the significance of performance-based earnings in combat sports.
During that event in Australia, Israel defeated Wilkinson in the second round, earning both the win bonus and a Performance of the Night bonus, which added another $50,000 to his total earnings. With his Reebok sponsorship also factored in, Israel made a remarkable $153,000 for his first UFC bout.
In his next fight against Marvin Vettori, his deal increased from $50,000/$50,000 to $53,000/$53,000, but he didn’t receive any additional bonus that night. Despite this, according to The Sports Daily, Israel’s career earnings reached $2,928,500.
Outside the octagon, Israel Adesanya has secured lucrative brand endorsement deals with companies like ENGAGE and Peak Milk. He also partnered with the popular video game, Call of Duty. Additionally, he has his own signature line of t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories in collaboration with ENGAGE, and serves as the brand ambassador for Stake.Com.
As Israel’s career progressed, his show and win purse continued to rise. In a prominent matchup at UFC 236 against Kelvin Gastelum for the interim Middleweight championship, his flat fee reached $350,000, eliminating the win bonus. He earned an additional $50,000 for the Fight of the Night bonus, totaling $400,000 for that event.
At UFC 253, when facing Paulo Costa, Israel secured an impressive $600,000 purse. Adding to that, his Reebok sponsorship money increased to the official winner’s level at $40,000. His remarkable performance against Costa earned him an extra $50,000 for the Performance of the Night, bringing his total earnings to nearly $700,000 for that fight.
Throughout his career, Israel Adesanya has proven himself as a dominant force in the UFC, and his impressive performances have been rewarded both inside and outside the octagon.
