Ranking Israel Adesanya's 5 most special performances in the UFC

#4 Israel Adesanya vs Derek Brunson - UFC 230

After a 3-0 start to his UFC career, Israel Adesanya was matched up against veteran Derek Brunson. 'The Last Stylebender' hadn't been at his imperious best since beating Wilkinson with a split-decision win over Marvin Vettori and a unanimous-decision win over Brad Tavares.

But Adesanya resumed usual service against Brunson. Towards the end of a rather circumspect first round, he unleashed another series of knees and punches that sent Brunson to the canvas three times before Herb Dean decided he had seen enough.

All of Brunson's seven takedown attempts were stuffed as Adesanya dominated the veteran en route to a much-needed finish. He didn't know it at the time, but he was just one win away from fighting for a UFC title.

#3 Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa - UFC 253

In his second title defense, Israel Adesanya faced the exciting Paulo Costa. The Brazilian had amassed a 12-0 professional MMA career and promised entertainment every time he stepped into the octagon.

Adesanya and Costa weren't hesitant to talk trash at each other in the lead-up to the fight (as well as during the fight), resulting in great hype surrounding the contest. But it was all one-way traffic at UFC 253 as the champion retained his title with a supreme display of skill. Costa was made to look like an amateur as Adesanya landed 65% of his significant strikes and chopped down the lead leg of 'Borrachinha'.

Eventually, Adesanya landed clean in the second round to drop Costa, who never recovered. Questionable celebrations ensued as the 32-year-old announced passed his biggest test at the time - and possibly to date - with flying colors.