FIGHTER PROFILE: Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya is one of the most electric MMA Fighters in the world. Not only is he entertaining to watch but he’s only been beaten in the Cage once in his career. Considering he has had 22 professional fights against names like Anderson Silva, Robert Whittaker, and Marvin Vettori. Adesanya is amazing on his feet, along with being an amazing Mixed Martial artist Adesanya was a spectacular kickboxer with a record of 23-5. 

Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989 in Lagos, Nigeria. Adesanya is the oldest of five children he started his Martial Arts Journey when he was young by joining the Taekwondo club at his school, but was taken out by his mother after he sustained an injury. Adesanya did not compete in sports and was more interested in reading Mangas and watching Anime a hobby he still loves to this day, and he recently did voiceover work for an english dub of Netflix’s anime ‘Baki Hanma.’’  Adesanya would get bullied for this love of anime and credits this with taking on Martial Arts later in life.

Adesanya made his Professional MMA debut in March of 2012 when he faced James Griffiths for the Supremacy Fighting Championship promotion. He secured the victory by way of TKO. Adesanya would then go on to face John Vake for the Shuriken MMA promotion again he’d win by TKO (Punches.) He’d then go on to face Kenan Song where his kickboxing prowess would be on display winning by TKO (Head Kick.) He’d win his next eight fights by KO or TKO and this was enough to get the attention of the UFC brass.

Adesanya would make his UFC debut in February of 2018 when he faced Rob Wilkinson, he’d win by TKO (knees and punches.) Adesanya would win the performance of the night, an impressive performance for the young striker. He’d then face Marvin Vettori and Brad Tavares winning both fights by decision. He’d go on to beat Derek Brunson and former Middleweight champion, Anderson Silva. This would lead Adesanya to fight Kelvin Gastelum for the interim title which he’d win. Adesanya would then face Robert Whittaker where he’d win and unify the UFC Middleweight Championship belt. He’d make two successful title defenses before moving up to face then Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Błachowicz he’d lose by Unanimous decision. In his next fight he’d defend his Middleweight belt against Marvin Vettori.

Adesanya is a fan favorite and his amazing work on his feet is truly spectacular. It is rumored he will face Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 in February. It’ll be fun to see the pair run it back for the belt again!