Israel Adesanya, widely known as “The Last Stylebender,” is one of the most famous fighters in the world and currently ranks inside the UFC top 5.
Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya has risen through the ranks to become one of the most formidable middleweight fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Nigeria is a country that has produced numerous talents over the years but there is no doubt that Adesanya is one of the most recognizable Nigerian names, not just in the country, but around the world, most especially in MMA circles.
In this piece, we look at the rise of one of the greatest fighters and peel back the curtains on his background, career, and personal life.
Who is Israel Adesanya?
Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya is a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. This talented athlete has made a name for himself as a professional MMA fighter, kickboxer, and boxer.
Adesanya’s impressive career has seen him compete in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he’s had the honor of holding the title of UFC Middleweight Champion not once, but twice.
His kickboxing skills are just as impressive, with a stint as a Glory Middleweight Championship title challenger under his belt.
As of January 2025, Adesanya is ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight rankings, solidifying his position as one of the best in the sport.
Israel Adesanya: Early Life and Career
Israel Adesanya’s life story is a fascinating one, filled with twists and turns that ultimately led him to become a world-renowned mixed martial artist. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya was the eldest of five children to parents Oluwafemi, an accountant, and Taiwo, a nurse.
Israel Adesanya’s early life was marked by a brief stint in Ghana, where his family relocated for 10 months in 1999. However, his parents’ desire for their children to receive a well-recognized higher education led them to settle in Rotorua, New Zealand, when Adesanya was just 10 years old.
Growing up in New Zealand, Adesanya attended Rotorua Boys’ High School, where he was more interested in Japanese anime and manga than sports. Unfortunately, his high school years were also marked by bullying, which would later influence his decision to pursue martial arts.
Adesanya’s introduction to the world of fighting came through watching British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, whose showmanship and skill left a lasting impression on him. After high school, Adesanya enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design, but his true passion lay elsewhere.
At 18, Adesanya began training in kickboxing, inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak. He quickly amassed an impressive amateur record of 32-1 before turning professional and fighting in China.
Two years later, Adesanya made the move to Auckland, New Zealand, to train in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing.
It was here that Adesanya’s career truly took off, training alongside future UFC fighters like Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and Alexander Volkanovski.
He set his sights on becoming a world-class MMA fighter, and his hard work and determination eventually paid off.
Israel Adesanya: Rise to prominence
Adesanya began his kickboxing career in New Zealand, Australia, and China. He participated in the 2014 Kunlun Fight 80 kg tournament, losing to Simon Marcus in the semifinals. Adesanya made his Glory debut at Glory 15, losing to Filip Verlinden via unanimous decision.
Adesanya won the King in the Ring Cruiserweights II tournament in 2014 and the 2015 Cruiserweights III tournament. He moved up in weight and won The Heavyweights III tournament.
He won five of his next six fights, including victories over Yousri Belgaroui and Bogdan Stoica. Adesanya participated in the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament, winning the tournament with a split decision victory over Yousri Belgaroui.
He fought Jason Wilnis for the Glory Middleweight championship at Glory 37: Los Angeles, losing via unanimous decision.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Adesanya made his professional MMA debut in 2012, winning via TKO. He amassed an 8–0 record, fighting mostly in Oceanian and Chinese circuits. Adesanya signed with the UFC in 2017 and made his debut against Rob Wilkinson, winning via TKO.
The Nigerian then faced Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 236, winning via unanimous decision. He unified the title against Robert Whittaker at UFC 243, winning via knockout. Adesanya defended his title against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout his career, Adesanya has accumulated an impressive array of achievements and awards. Some of his notable accolades include:
– UFC Middleweight Championship
– UFC Performance of the Night (4 times)
– UFC Fight of the Night (2 times)
– Sherdog Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2018)
Israel Adesanya: Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings
As of 2025, Israel Adesanya’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His lucrative career in the UFC, where he has become a well-known fighter and former champion, has contributed significantly to his wealth.
Additionally, his numerous championships in kickboxing and MMA have further boosted his earnings.
Fight Earnings
Adesanya has consistently earned over $1 million in his last five fights. His most notable paycheck came from his second fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, where he earned a staggering $3.18 million. This included:
– $1 million in base salary
– $2 million in pay-per-view sales
– $100,000 in win bonus
– $50,000 in UFC bonus
– $300,000 in sponsorship deals
Charity Work & Philanthropy
Adesanya is known for his philanthropic efforts, frequently donating to various charities. He has chosen to keep his charitable work private, stating that he doesn’t want to broadcast his good deeds as it may come across as insincere.
However, it’s known that he has supported frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating face masks and eye protection face shields.
Israel Adesanya Cars
Adesanya has a passion for luxury cars and has splurged on several high-end vehicles, which he frequently shows off on his Instagram page.
His collection includes a McLaren 720s Spider, valued at around $315,000, a Range Rover, priced at around $80,000, and a Nissan SUV, which he purchased on his birthday in 2016, valued at around $29,000
Does Israel Adesanya have a girlfriend?
Israel Adesanya is known for keeping his personal life under wraps, but rumors and past relationships have given us a glimpse into his dating history.
The UFC legend is reportedly dating Australian model Shana Evers. The two were spotted getting cozy on a boat in a recent Instagram post, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship.
He previously dated Charlotte Powdrell, but the two parted ways in 2021.
In a statement to his fans, Adesanya revealed that the breakup was mutual and amicable, with both parties deciding to go their separate ways on their own terms.
Israel Adesanya’s social media
Israel Adesanya has a strong online presence across various social media platforms.
– Instagram: Adesanya’s official Instagram account, @StyleBender, has garnered over 8.6 million followers.
– YouTube: His official YouTube channel, Stylebender, features exclusive content and updates from the fighter.
– X (formerly Twitter): Adesanya has a significant following on X, with over 1.8 million followers on his official account, @stylebender.
Israel Adesanya: Next fight
Israel Adesanya is set to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon on February 1, 2025, as he takes on Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Saudi Arabia.
The fight will be held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Adesanya is looking to bounce back from his recent championship loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.
