Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-New Zealander professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer who currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Adesanya is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world and is known for his precision and creativity in the octagon.
Early Life and Career:
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a family of five and was introduced to martial arts at a young age. Adesanya began training in taekwondo at the age of 10 and later expanded his training to include kickboxing, boxing, and MMA.
Adesanya moved to New Zealand at the age of 13 and continued his martial arts training there. He began his professional kickboxing career in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself in the New Zealand and Australian circuits.
Kickboxing Career:
Adesanya’s kickboxing record stands at 75-6-2 with 29 knockouts. He won several championships, including the Glory Middleweight Championship and the King in the Ring 86kg Championship. Adesanya’s striking skills and unorthodox style caught the attention of UFC President Dana White, who invited him to compete in the UFC.
UFC Career:
Adesanya made his UFC debut in February 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite. He has a record of 21-1 with 15 knockouts in the UFC. Adesanya won the interim UFC Middleweight Championship in April 2019 and the undisputed championship in October of the same year.
Adesanya has defended his title successfully against the likes of Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori. He has also competed in a super fight against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz but lost the fight.
Style and Technique:
Adesanya’s style is characterized by his precision striking, footwork, and counterpunching. He uses a wide range of kicks, including leg kicks, front kicks, and spinning kicks. Adesanya also has excellent takedown defence and uses his grappling skills to keep the fight standing.
Outside the Octagon:
Adesanya is also known for his charismatic personality and outspokenness. He has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression. Adesanya is also a fashion enthusiast and has launched his clothing line.
Adesanya has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” and “New Gods: Nezha Reborn.”
Legacy:
Israel Adesanya is still in the prime of his career and is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He has already achieved a great deal of success in both kickboxing and MMA and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters to watch.
Adesanya has the potential to become one of the greatest fighters of all time and his legacy is sure to be cemented in the history of combat sports.
Championships and Awards:
King in the Ring 86kg Championship
Glory Middleweight Championship
UFC Middleweight Championship (Current)
2021 World MMA Awards Fighter of the Year
