News
The Evolution of Israel Adesanya: A Legacy of Triumphs and Trials
- Rapid Rise: From kickboxing standout to UFC middleweight champion in just a few years.
- Striking Excellence: Known for his precision, movement, and knockout power.
- Legacy in Question: Recent setbacks spark debate about his future in the sport.
Israel Adesanya, widely known as “The Last Stylebender,” has been one of the most electrifying figures in mixed martial arts (MMA). Born in Nigeria and raised in New Zealand, Adesanya quickly rose to prominence as a dominant force in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His precision striking, confidence, and showmanship made him a global icon. However, recent setbacks have put his legacy under scrutiny, raising questions about what the future holds for the former middleweight champion.
Early Life and Entry into Combat Sports
Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of 10. Initially drawn to dance and anime, he later found his passion in kickboxing, amassing an impressive record of 75-5 in the sport. He then transitioned to MMA, debuting professionally in 2012. His technical skills and striking ability quickly set him apart.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
UFC Dominance and Title Reign
Adesanya made his UFC debut in 2018, showcasing his elite striking with a TKO win over Rob Wilkinson. His meteoric rise saw him defeat top contenders, culminating in an interim middleweight title victory over Kelvin Gastelum in 2019. Later that year, he unified the championship by knocking out Robert Whittaker.
During his reign, Adesanya successfully defended his belt five times, defeating formidable opponents such as:
Yoel Romero (Decision)
Paulo Costa (TKO)
Marvin Vettori (Decision)
Robert Whittaker (Decision)
Jared Cannonier (Decision)
His dominance drew comparisons to Anderson Silva, whom he also defeated in a showcase fight. However, Adesanya’s ambition led him to challenge for the light heavyweight title against Jan Błachowicz in 2021, marking his first professional MMA loss.
Adesanya takes out Paulo Costa during his latest title defense on September 27, 2020.
Recent Struggles and Downfall
While Adesanya rebounded with a victory over Whittaker in their rematch, his aura of invincibility started to fade. His first major defeat in the middleweight division came against Alex Pereira in November 2022, where he lost via TKO. However, in April 2023, he avenged that loss with a stunning knockout win to reclaim his title.
His most significant downfall came in September 2023 at UFC 293 when he lost to Sean Strickland in a shocking upset. In January 2024, he suffered another loss to Dricus du Plessis, followed by a second-round TKO defeat to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025 at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These setbacks have raised concerns about whether Adesanya can reclaim his former glory.
Fighting Style and Influence
Adesanya’s striking is a blend of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and freestyle movement. His ability to control distance, counterstrike, and evade damage has been his greatest asset. Beyond the octagon, he has been an outspoken advocate for fighter rights and a charismatic presence in MMA.
Support from New Zealand and Nigeria
Although he is of Nigerian descent, Adesanya has received immense support from the New Zealand government and sporting bodies. He was granted New Zealand citizenship and has been a major representative of the country on the global stage. Meanwhile, he remains deeply connected to his Nigerian roots, often incorporating his heritage into his walkouts and celebrations.
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
What’s Next for Adesanya?
With four losses in his last five fights, Adesanya faces a crucial career crossroad. Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has advised him to take time off and return with a fresh mindset. If Adesanya chooses to continue, he may either work his way back to title contention or take high-profile fights for entertainment value, similar to Anderson Silva’s later career.
Israel Adesanya’s journey has been a mix of brilliance and adversity. From conquering the middleweight division to facing unexpected losses, his career has been anything but predictable. Whether he rebounds or fades into MMA history, one thing is certain—Adesanya has left an indelible mark on the sport. His story is not yet over, and the next chapter will be crucial in defining his legacy.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
