Israel Adesanya: The Journey of “The Last Stylebender” from Lagos to UFC Stardom

When you hear the name Israel Adesanya, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the image of a lanky, charismatic fighter stepping into the UFC Octagon, his movements as fluid as a dancer’s, his strikes as precise as a surgeon’s scalpel. Or maybe it’s the nickname “The Last Stylebender,” a nod to his love for anime and his flair for the dramatic.

Israel Adesanya is more than just a mixed martial artist; he’s a cultural phenomenon, a Nigerian-New Zealand icon who has transcended the sport to become one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports today. In this deep dive, we’ll explore every facet of Israel Adesanya’s life—from his humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to his meteoric rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), his net worth, his relationships, and the achievements that have cemented his legacy. Buckle up, because this is the story of a man who turned adversity into artistry and dreams into dominance.

Early Life: The Roots of Israel Adesanya in Nigeria

Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria. As the eldest of five children, Israel grew up in a bustling, vibrant city known for its energy and resilience—qualities that would later define his career. His father, Oluwafemi Adesanya, was an accountant, while his mother, Taiwo Adesanya, worked as a nurse. The Adesanya household was one of ambition and discipline, with parents who valued education and opportunity above all else. Israel, of Yoruba descent, was raised in an upper-middle-class family, giving him a relatively stable foundation compared to many in Nigeria at the time.

From an early age, Israel Adesanya showed a curiosity about the world around him. He attended Chrisland School in Opebi, Lagos, where he was introduced to martial arts through the school’s Taekwondo after-school club. However, his mother pulled him out after he suffered an injury—a fractured arm—that hinted at the physicality he’d later embrace. This brief stint in Taekwondo planted a seed, though it wouldn’t fully sprout until years later. Instead, Israel’s childhood was marked by a different passion: dance. He was a natural mover, a trait that would eventually translate into his unorthodox fighting style.

In 1999, when Israel was 10, his family made a life-altering decision. Seeking better educational opportunities for their children, they relocated to Ghana for 10 months before settling in Rotorua, New Zealand. This move wasn’t easy for young Israel. Adjusting to a new culture, far from the familiar streets of Lagos, came with its challenges. He enrolled at Rotorua Boys’ High School, where he faced a new hurdle: bullying. As one of the few Black students in a predominantly white environment, Israel Adesanya stood out—and not always in a good way. The taunts and isolation he endured during these years left a lasting mark, fueling a resolve that would later drive him to greatness.

High school wasn’t about sports for Israel Adesanya—not yet. Instead, he immersed himself in Japanese anime, with favorites like Naruto and Death Note shaping his imagination. These shows, with their tales of perseverance and individuality, resonated deeply with him. After graduating, he enrolled at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design. But academia couldn’t hold him. At 18, inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak, Israel Adesanya dropped out to chase a new dream: becoming a fighter. Little did he know, this decision would set him on a path to global stardom.

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The Breakthrough: Israel Adesanya’s Rise in Kickboxing

Israel Adesanya’s journey into combat sports began with kickboxing, a discipline that would showcase his natural talent and lay the groundwork for his MMA career. At 18, he started training in Auckland, New Zealand, under the guidance of Derek Broughton. His amateur kickboxing record was nothing short of astonishing: 32 wins, zero losses. This flawless run wasn’t just a testament to his skill but also his adaptability, as he honed a striking style that blended precision, creativity, and unpredictability.

Turning professional, Israel Adesanya took his talents to China, where he fought in various promotions. His professional kickboxing record eventually stood at an impressive 75-5, with 29 knockouts. Among his notable achievements was his stint in Glory Kickboxing, one of the world’s premier kickboxing organizations. In 2016, he won the Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament, defeating Robert Thomas and Yousri Belgaroui en route to the title. This victory put him in contention for the Glory Middleweight Championship, which he challenged for against Jason Wilnis at Glory 37: Los Angeles in 2017. Though he lost by a controversial unanimous decision, Israel Adesanya’s performance turned heads.

His final kickboxing fight came in a rematch against Alex Pereira at Glory of Heroes 7 in 2017. Pereira, a Brazilian kickboxer who would later become a significant figure in Adesanya’s career, knocked him out with a short left hook in the third round. This loss stung, but it also marked a turning point. Israel Adesanya decided to transition fully to mixed martial arts (MMA), a move that would catapult him to heights kickboxing alone couldn’t reach.

Rising in MMA: Israel Adesanya’s UFC Journey Begins

Israel Adesanya made his professional MMA debut in 2012, stopping James Griffiths via TKO. After another TKO win over John Vake, he took a two-year hiatus, returning in 2015 with a vengeance. Training under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing in Auckland alongside future UFC stars like Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and Alexander Volkanovski, Adesanya refined his game. His early MMA career saw him rack up an 11-0 record, including wins in promotions like the AFC and Hex Fight Series, where he captured middleweight titles.

In December 2017, the UFC came calling. Israel Adesanya debuted against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221 in February 2018, winning via second-round TKO and earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. His flashy style—marked by feints, stance switches, and pinpoint striking—immediately set him apart. Over the next year, he dispatched opponents like Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, and Marvin Vettori, building an undefeated streak and a reputation as a rising star.

The breakthrough moment came in February 2019 at UFC 234, where Israel Adesanya faced MMA legend Anderson Silva. In a striking masterclass, Adesanya won by unanimous decision, earning Fight of the Night honors and drawing comparisons to Silva himself. Two months later, at UFC 236, he faced Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. The five-round war was a classic, with Adesanya emerging victorious via unanimous decision, claiming the interim title and another Fight of the Night bonus. This fight, widely regarded as one of 2019’s best, showcased his heart as much as his skill.

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The Pinnacle: Israel Adesanya Becomes UFC Middleweight Champion

On October 6, 2019, at UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia, Israel Adesanya faced Robert Whittaker to unify the UFC Middleweight Championship. In front of over 57,000 fans—one of the largest crowds in UFC history—Adesanya delivered a second-round knockout, dethroning Whittaker and claiming the undisputed title. His choreographed walkout, inspired by his love for dance and anime, became iconic, as did his post-fight celebration. At 30 years old, Israel Adesanya was the king of the middleweight division.

His first title defense came against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 in March 2020. Though the fight was criticized for its lack of action, Adesanya won by unanimous decision, retaining his belt. Later that year, at UFC 253, he faced undefeated Paulo Costa. Adesanya dismantled Costa with surgical precision, finishing him via second-round TKO and earning his fifth Performance of the Night award. This victory solidified his status as one of the UFC’s elite.

In March 2021, Israel Adesanya stepped up to light heavyweight to challenge Jan Blachowicz for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 259. Weighing in at 200 pounds, he aimed to become a two-division champion. However, Blachowicz’s size and grappling proved too much, and Adesanya lost via unanimous decision—his first MMA defeat. Returning to middleweight, he bounced back with wins over Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker, reasserting his dominance.

The Rivalry with Alex Pereira and Beyond

Israel Adesanya’s career took a dramatic turn in November 2022 at UFC 281, where he faced Alex Pereira, his old kickboxing nemesis, for the middleweight title. Pereira, who held a 2-0 edge over Adesanya from their kickboxing days, stopped him via fifth-round TKO, claiming the belt. The loss was a gut punch, but Adesanya didn’t stay down long. At UFC 287 in April 2023, he rematched Pereira and delivered a stunning second-round knockout, reclaiming the title and earning a massive $3.18 million payday—one of his biggest ever.

However, the middleweight crown slipped away again in September 2023 at UFC 293, when Sean Strickland outstruck Adesanya to win the title by unanimous decision. Undeterred, Adesanya faced Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024, losing via fourth-round submission. As of April 9, 2025, Israel Adesanya’s MMA record stands at 24-4, with 16 knockouts, and he’s ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight division. His next move—whether a rematch or a new challenge—remains a hot topic among fans.

Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth: From Fighter to Millionaire

So, how much is Israel Adesanya worth? As of 2025, estimates peg his net worth between $4 million and $6 million, though some sources suggest it could be as high as $12 million when factoring in future earnings and endorsements. His wealth stems from multiple streams: UFC fight purses, pay-per-view (PPV) points, sponsorships, and his growing brand outside the cage.

UFC Earnings

Israel Adesanya’s UFC earnings are substantial. His base pay per fight reportedly starts at $1 million, with PPV points pushing his biggest paydays into the millions. For his rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 287, he earned $3.18 million, including a $1 million base salary, $2 million in PPV sales, a $100,000 win bonus, $50,000 UFC bonus, and $32,000 in sponsorships. Even in losses, like against Jan Blachowicz ($1.74 million) and Sean Strickland, his star power ensures hefty paychecks.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Israel Adesanya was the first MMA fighter to sign with Puma in September 2020, becoming the face of their Oceania region. He also endorses Engage, a combat gear supplier, and PRIME, a hydration drink company owned by Logan Paul and KSI. These deals, combined with his YouTube channel and social media presence (over 8 million Instagram followers), boost his income significantly.

Luxury Assets

Adesanya’s wealth is reflected in his lifestyle. He owns a McLaren 720s Spider ($315,000), a Range Rover ($80,000), and a Nissan SUV ($29,000), showcasing his love for high-end cars. While details about his home are scarce, he’s rumored to have invested in property in Auckland, where he resides and trains.

Relationships: The Private Life of Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya keeps his personal life under wraps, a rarity for someone so flamboyant in the spotlight. He’s never been married and has no confirmed children, preferring to focus on his career. However, rumors have swirled about his romantic life. Since September 2021, he’s been linked to Australian model Shana Evers. The pair have been spotted together, and Evers follows Adesanya on Instagram, where he’s occasionally dropped cryptic hints about a “girl” in his life. In 2023, a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend, Charlotte Powdrell, reportedly sought half his earnings in a legal dispute, though Adesanya dismissed it as baseless, and no official outcome has been confirmed.

Beyond romance, Israel Adesanya’s family remains a cornerstone. He’s close to his parents and four siblings—David, Bolu, Samuel, and Deborah—often crediting them for his drive. His Nigerian heritage is a point of pride, symbolized by tattoos like the map of Africa on his chest and “Broken Native” across his torso.

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Achievements: Israel Adesanya’s Legacy in Combat Sports

Israel Adesanya’s trophy case is overflowing. Here’s a rundown of his major accomplishments:

MMA Achievements

• Two-Time UFC Middleweight Champion: Unified the title in 2019 (vs. Whittaker) and reclaimed it in 2023 (vs. Pereira).
• Interim UFC Middleweight Champion: Won in 2019 against Kelvin Gastelum.
• Performance of the Night: Five times (vs. Wilkinson, Tavares, Brunson, Whittaker, Costa).
• Fight of the Night: Twice (vs. Silva, Gastelum).
• UFC Record: 24-4, with 16 knockouts as of 2025.
• Awards: 2018 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (World MMA Awards), 2019 New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.

Kickboxing Achievements

• Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament Winner: 2016.
• King in the Ring Titles: Two-time cruiserweight and heavyweight champion.
• Record: 75-5, with 29 knockouts.

Cultural Impact

Israel Adesanya’s influence extends beyond the cage. His anime-inspired persona, multilingual fluency (Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, English), and dance background have made him a crossover star. His 2023 documentary, Stylebender, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, offering an intimate look at his life.

Everything You Need to Know About Israel Adesanya

Personality and Interests

Israel Adesanya is a man of layers. His love for anime—evident in his nickname and Toph Beifong tattoo—shapes his identity. He’s a self-professed wrestling fan, once pausing an interview to acknowledge Booker T. Before fighting, he competed in dance contests across New Zealand, a passion he showcased at UFC 243. He dreams of starting an anime production company post-retirement, hinting at a creative future.

Philanthropy

Adesanya gives back quietly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated 10,000 face masks and 1,000 face shields to healthcare workers in Whanganui, New Zealand, emphasizing action over publicity.

Controversies

Israel Adesanya isn’t without blemishes. His post-fight antics against Paulo Costa at UFC 253—simulating a provocative gesture—drew criticism, as did speculation about gynecomastia (attributed to marijuana use, not PEDs). He’s also faced online feuds, notably with Dricus du Plessis, adding spice to his rivalries.

Fighting Style

Known as one of MMA’s best strikers, Israel Adesanya blends kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing with a 6’4” frame and 80-inch reach. His ability to switch stances, feint, and counter makes him a nightmare for opponents. While less versed in grappling, his defensive wrestling has improved, though it remains a critique point.

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Conclusion: The Future of Israel Adesanya

At 35 years old (as of April 9, 2025), Israel Adesanya is at a crossroads. With a net worth in the millions, a legacy as a two-time UFC champion, and a global fanbase, he’s already achieved what many dream of. Yet, losses to Strickland and du Plessis suggest there’s more to prove. Will he reclaim the middleweight title a third time? Pursue light heavyweight glory again? Or shift to new ventures like acting or anime production?

Israel Adesanya’s story is one of resilience—from a bullied kid in Rotorua to a superstar who’s elevated Nigeria and New Zealand on the world stage. His journey reflects the power of self-belief, adaptability, and flair. Whether he’s dancing into the Octagon or knocking out opponents, “The Last Stylebender” remains a force to be reckoned with—a fighter, an artist, and a legend in the making.