Israel Adesanya: ‘The Last Style Bender’
Israel Adesanya has been swiftly associated with greatness in Mixed martial arts (MMA). At 13, he went to New Zealand and started martial arts training. Adesanya’s road to greatness was not straightforward, but with perseverance and commitment, he has emerged as one of the world’s most formidable fighters.
Israel Adesanya Early Life and Career
Israel Adesanya’s mother was a nurse, and his father was an accountant. They supported their son’s interest in martial arts. At 11, Adesanya started taekwondo lessons and soon displayed a natural ability for martial arts. After relocating to New Zealand from Nigeria, he continued his martial arts training and experimented with karate, kickboxing, and boxing, among other styles.
The Nigerian icon actively pursued kickboxing as a career in 2014 and rapidly became well-known in the discipline. In December of that year, he won his first professional match. He then went on to win eight of his next 12 games by knockout. In 2017, Adesanya won the interim Middleweight Glory Kickboxing Championship; in 2018, he successfully defended his title.
Israel Adesanya Transition to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
In 2015, Adesanya switched to MMA and became influential in the discipline. He knocked out his first opponent and won his next four matches, all by TKO or knockout. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) signed Adesanya in 2018, and in February of that same year, he made his debut with the organisation.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Career
The UFC debut of Adesanya was a resounding triumph. He knocked out Rob Wilkinson in the second round to win that bout and the three opponents he faced afterwards. The celebrated sportsman took on former middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a highly anticipated matchup in February 2019. Adesanya was hailed as a potential future champion after winning the contest unanimously.
Israel Adesanya fights Alex Pereira
Adesanya faced Alex Pereira, who had two victories against him in kickboxing, on November 12 2022, at UFC 281. Adesanya lost the fight and title via technical knockout in the fifth round, his first loss at middleweight.
A rematch between Pereira and Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship occurred on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. In the second round, while against the fence, Adesanya landed a right hook that knocked Pereira out, winning him the bout and the title. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Adesanya’s Fighting Style
The extraordinary striking skills that Adesanya is renowned for were developed during his kickboxing career. He fights in a distinctive manner that blends accurate strikes with mobility and footwork. He is known for his ability to analyse his rivals and modify his fighting strategy accordingly. He has a high battle IQ and constantly tries to have the upper hand in the ring.
Outside the Cage
The Nigerian fighter has a charismatic and outspoken demeanour. He is renowned for his daring dress sense and no-nonsense demeanour. The sports icon has used his platform as a proud Nigerian to speak out against racism and prejudice in sports.
He has also spoken out against the corruption in his home country, Nigeria. He said: “I love my people, but Nigeria is very corrupt”.
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