Israel Adesanya, a mixed Nigerian-New Zealander martial artist and former kickboxer, is a unique fighter for a handful of reasons. He is considered a rangy technical striker, with a penchant for striking knockouts, regardless of the fact that he has only had a few fights in the most hotly contested franchise, Ultimate Fighting Championship. Adesanya is currently fighting in the UFC middleweight division and is already being compared to some of the best fighters in the octagon like Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.
Furthermore, he rose through the ranks with the world number 6 middleweight in kickboxing in October 2017 and number 9 in the official UFC middleweight rankings on July 26, 2018.
Who is Israel Adesanya?
The mixed martial artist was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria. Its ancestral origin has been attributed to the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Named Israel Mobolaji Adesanya after he was born, his Nigerian-born parents moved their family to Rotorua and then Whanganui (New Zealand) in 2011, from where his fighting career took off. His middle name, Mobolaji means born into wealth.
He attended Chrisland School, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, then Bells Secondary School, Ota. Although he was not inclined to sports, he loved to dance and excelled in this discipline. Art also gave him some popularity when he moved to New Zealand, but it never pushed him further than having fun. However, the martial arts class began and a career took place there. He credits MMA for helping him stay focused, calm and composed and making him travel around the world for free.
6 facts about the mixed martial artist
1. His career trajectory
Adesanya was trained in taekwondo as a child for a short time. During this period, their household items were endangered as they had to face the wrath of his fist and feet while practicing. Although his mother did not take care of the broken things, she could not have him when her beloved son broke his arm. Following the incident, she removed him from training.
Seven years after the family moved to New Zealand, Israel resumed training. this time it was not taekwondo but kickboxing. His new interest was inspired by Ong Bak, the Muay Thai movie he watched when he was 18. He continued in standing combat sports and amassed a professional record of 32-0. Also during this time, he had the most titles in Ring history with 3 and was the Glory 34: Denver – Middleweight Tournament Champion.
He made his professional debut in 2012. Over the five and a half years of his career, he fought in New Zealand, Australia and China. He broke the record of 11-0 with all consecutive wins by TKO stoppage and in the second round.
Then, the time has come for him to walk higher grounds and taste the deeper waters. Israel Adesanya signed with the UFC in December 2017. He became the fifth New Zealander currently in the UFC, along with Mark Hunt, Dan Hooker, Luke Jumeau and Shane Young. After signing, he made his octagon debut against Australian middleweight Rob Wilkinson on February 11, 2018 at UFC 221 and picked up the win via second-round TKO. The win also earned him the Performance of the Night bonus and paved the way for his winning streak.
Next, he faced Marvin Vettori on April 14, 2018, and won the fight via split decision. Next came the biggest event of his career to date, a matchup with Brad Tavares in the Ultimate Fighter 27 finale on July 6, 2018.
Despite being a decorated kickboxer, many feared that he would struggle to be a bit untested as a mixed martial artist. Nevertheless, he allayed all fears and took the victory via unanimous decision. He also won the Performance of the Night award, which established him as the UFC’s next prospect. His victory also earned him a Top 10 ranking, ranked 9th in the official UFC middleweight rankings.
With a 14-0-0 record, he is scheduled to face Derek Brunson on November 3, 2018 at UFC 230.
2. The Kiwi Fighter lives up to his nickname
Israel Adesanya has a sweet alias, The Last Stylebender, which he coined on the TV show, Avatar. He felt that he could understand the power of the Avatar who mastered the control of the four elements fire, water, air and earth. Like his superhero, although he does not know how the game goes, he believes he must master all the elements of martial arts to fulfill his destiny.
True to that, The Last Stylebender went undefeated through 14 MMA bouts. He’s a great blend of precision hitting and speed, molded into a long frame, with the kind of floaty feet crafted by years of dancing.
3. He is in touch with his African roots
Although he was transplanted from his root before the Israel Adesanya, who debuted as a teenager, has remained very much in touch with his Nigerian root and keeps in touch with his home country in every way possible. He has the “Broken Native” tattoo on his chest, paired with a large map of Africa in which he depicts Nigeria. The body arts remind him of his cultural heritage.
To further elucidate his point, he addresses his speech at the UFC’s 25th anniversary press conference in Los Angeles after his career-historic victory over Tavares. He did this not only to identify with other Nigerians but also to let them learn about what he is doing and introduce them to the game. The talk went viral in Nigeria soon after.
4. His fighting style has led him to compare himself to former UFC champions
After winning his first fight, the New Zealander was compared to former UFC champions Jon Jones and Anderson Silva for his punching ability and height. Despite the high comparison, he’s not trying to replicate anyone, but rather going at his own pace.
As much as they inspire him, Adesanya tries to be himself; the very first version of him.
5. Height, weight, measurements
Israel Adesanya did not miss the expectations ahead to his physique. As he was into combat sports and through years of vigorous training and discipline, he developed ripped muscles while maintaining his weight. He has a height of 193 cm and weighs 84 kg. It has an 80 inch reach and a 44 inch leg.
6. net worth
We have seen the Nigerian-New Zealanders rise from obscurity to broad daylight during his career. If we have to add, he receives his dues and in large amounts too. Although his net worth has not been revealed, it would be nothing less than a growing six-figure value.