Israel Adesanya Net Worth: The Stylebender in MMA

Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya (born July 22, 1989) is a professional mixed martial artist (MMA), former boxer, and kickboxer. He was born in Nigeria, but now lives in New Zealand. Adesanya, nicknamed “The Last Stylebender,” has emerged as one of the most renowned individuals in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), winning both the Middleweight Championship and the hearts of fans across the world. With a current record of 24 victories and 3 defeat, Israel Adesanya is on course to become one of MMA’s legends. He has had success in kickboxing, boxing, and MMA. This article provides an overview of Israel Adesanya Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, controversies, honors, and achievements.

Israel Adesanya Net Worth

Early Years

Israel was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and spent most of his youth there before relocating to Ghana with his family. His passion for combat sports began at an early age, motivated by his father, an amateur boxer. Adesanya eventually went to New Zealand at the age of 13, where he pursued his interest in martial arts.

Career

Israel Adesanya defeated Tim Atonio in May 2010, kicking off a winning run. He maintained his success in China, winning six battles against Wu Lin Feng and earning a berth in the 2014 Kunlun Fight 80 kg competition. Despite losing in the semifinals to Simon Marcus, Adesanya made his Glory debut at Glory 15, taking against Filip Verlinden. Despite losing, he eventually won a rematch at Glory of Heroes 3.

Adesanya demonstrated his abilities in New Zealand’s King in the Ring competitions, winning the Cruiserweights II and III and The Heavyweights III in 2015. He subsequently moved on to contend for the Glory Middleweight Championship, winning five of his next six fights until losing to Alex Pereira.

Despite this defeat, Adesanya won the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament, paving the way for a title fight against Jason Wilnis, which he lost controversially. His most recent kickboxing battle was a rematch with Alex Pereira, which ended in a knockout loss for Adesanya.

MMA

Israel Adesanya made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in 2012 with a TKO victory over James Griffiths. After a two-year absence, he returned to MMA in August 2015, defeating Song Kenan. He went 8-0, earning championships including the AFC Middleweight Championship and the Hex Fight Series Middleweight Championship.

Adesanya signed with the UFC in December 2017, and made his debut against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221, defeating him by technical knockout. He extended his winning streak in the UFC, defeating Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson. Adesanya rose to prominence after defeating former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva in February 2019, and then capturing the interim UFC Middleweight Championship against Kelvin Gastelum in April 2019.

Adesanya unified the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Robert Whittaker in October 2019. He successfully defended his championship against Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa. In March 2021, Adesanya challenged Jan Błachowicz for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, but lost by a unanimous decision. He restored his concentration and defeated Marvin Vettori in a rematch in June 2021, retaining his middleweight belt.

In February 2022, Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker in a rematch by unanimous decision. He extended his victory streak by beating Jared Cannonier in July 2022. However, he lost to Alex Pereira in November 2022, but recovered the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Pereira in a rematch in April 2023.

Most recently, Adesanya met Sean Strickland in September 2023, but lost by unanimous decision, a big upset in his career.

Boxing

Israel Adesanya made his professional boxing debut in November 2014 against Daniel Ammann, a two-time Australian champion. He competed in the cruiserweight Super 8 Boxing Tournament as a wildcard participant. Despite a disputed quarter-final loss to Ammann, Adesanya returned to the event in May 2015. In the competition, he won his first bout by knocking out Asher Derbyshire, followed by a majority decision against Lance Bryant. Adesanya won the championship after defeating Brian Minto in the final via split decision.

Adesanya’s success continued in the 2015 Super 8 Cruiserweight tournament, where he won the semifinal against Zane Hopman by unanimous decision and defended his cruiserweight title in the final against Lance Bryant.

Personal Life and Controversies

Adesanya enjoys anime and has expressed a desire to create an anime production studio after retiring from fighting. His moniker “The Last Stylebender” is a play on Avatar: The Last Airbender, an anime-inspired animation series.Adesanya has a tattoo of one of the show’s key characters, Toph Beifong, on his forearm.

Israel Adesanya was chastised in February 2020 for statements he made at a UFC 248 news conference in which he referenced the September 11 attacks and stated that he would “crumble like the Twin Towers” against opponent Yoel Romero. Adesanya later apologized on Instagram for his error and promised to be more careful with his words in the future.

On March 25, 2021, Adesanya faced fire for making degrading sexual comments against rival UFC middleweight fighter Kevin Holland on Instagram. Grant Robertson, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, denounced Adesanya’s words, highlighting the gravity of rape and the need of not making light of it.

In November 2022, Adesanya was detained at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport for having brass knuckles. Furthermore, in August 2023, he was pulled over for drunk driving in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, resulting in a guilty plea and fine. Adesanya’s antics, including broadcasting recordings from within the court on social media, drew more condemnation and apologies.

Awards and Achievements

Israel Adesanya has had great success in a variety of combat sports, including boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA), winning multiple titles and accolades during his career. In boxing, he won the Super 8 Boxing Tournament, becoming the III and IV Cruiserweight Champions. In kickboxing, he won titles in the famous King of the Ring competitions in several weight classes. Additionally, Adesanya won the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament.

After switching to MMA, Adesanya had an immediate impression in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), becoming a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion with five successful title defenses during his first reign. He also won the UFC Interim Middleweight Championship once. Adesanya has several UFC records, including the most knockdowns in a UFC championship fight and the second-most title fight victories in UFC Middleweight Division history.

Adesanya’s efforts have been regularly acknowledged, winning him several Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses in the UFC. He has garnered several honors from respected MMA magazines and organizations, including Combat Press, MMAJunkie.com, MMA Fighting, and others. Adesanya’s accomplishments extend beyond the UFC, including awards such as 2019 New Zealand Sportsman of the Year from the Halberg Awards. He has also received worldwide recognition, including the title of worldwide Fighter of the Year at the World MMA Awards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Israel Adesanya

1. Where was Israel Adesanya born?

Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1989.

2. When did Adesanya start his martial arts journey?

Adesanya initially took an interest in martial arts during high school. He began with kickboxing and later transitioned to MMA.

3. What is Adesanya’s professional record?

Adesanya boasts an impressive professional record of 24 victories and 3 defeat in MMA.

4. When did Israel Adesanya make his UFC debut?

Adesanya made his UFC debut in 2018 at UFC 221, where he secured a TKO win.

5. What titles has Adesanya won?

He is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion, having won both the interim and official titles.

6. What weight class does Israel Adesanya compete in?

Adesanya competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

7. What nickname is Israel Adesanya known by?

Adesanya is nicknamed “The Last Stylebender.”

8. How did Israel Adesanya get into combat sports?

Persistent bullying in high school led Adesanya back to martial arts, reigniting his passion.

9. What is Israel Adesanya net worth?

Israel Adesanya net worth stands at $4 million.

10. Does Israel Adesanya have any hobbies outside of fighting?

Adesanya is an avid gamer and anime enthusiast.

11. Who did Israel Adesanya defeat to unify the middleweight title?

Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker to unify the UFC Middleweight Championship.

12. What makes Adesanya unique in the octagon?

His charisma, fighting style, and ability to entertain have made him a true superstar in MMA.

13. What other combat sports has Israel Adesanya excelled in?

Adesanya has also had success in kickboxing and professional boxing.

14. What is Israel Adesanya fighting style?

Adesanya is known for his striking skills and unique approach to MMA.

15. How tall is Israel Adesanya?

Adesanya stands at 1.93 m tall.

Conclusion

Israel Adesanya’s journey from kickboxing to MMA has been nothing short of extraordinary. His charisma, fighting skills, and ability to entertain have made him a true superstar in the world of mixed martial arts.