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UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is not only one of the best fighters on the roster but also one of the biggest draws in the sport right now. 'The Last Stylebender' is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest of all time, having already amassed a series of incredible wins in the UFC.
It took Adesanya only 20 months after making his promotional debut to become an undisputed UFC champion. Undoubtedly one of the best strikers we've ever seen grace the sport of MMA, the Nigeria-born fighter has used his extensive kickboxing experience to great effect in the UFC.
Adesanya suffered his first professional loss earlier this year against UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, but he is close to the top of the pound-for-pound list after clearing out most of his competition at 185 lbs.
Here, we attempt to tank Israel Adesanya's five most special performances in the UFC.
Honorable Mention: Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori 2
#5 Israel Adesanya's UFC debut vs Rob Wilkinson - UFC 221
In December 2017, Israel Adesanya signed a contract with the UFC after an undefeated 11-0 start to his professional MMA career, with all 11 wins coming by way of knockout. He made his promotional debut against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221, at 28 years of age.
You could tell that there was something special about Adesanya the moment he stepped into the octagon. Soaking in applause and a special Bruce Buffer introduction, 'The Last Stylebender' turned in an incredible performance that turned heads immediately.
Wilkinson spent most of the first round trying to clinch and take the fight to the ground. While the Australian had some success, landing two takedowns in the first round, he couldn't maintain control as Adesanya showed great athleticism to reverse positions.
Adesanya came into his own in the second round, landing a series of punches that bloodied Wilkinson's nose. With around two minutes left in the round, he unleashed a barrage of knees, hooks, uppercuts and body shots to cause the referee to step in.
It wasn't a perfect performance from Israel Adesanya, but it was one that put him on the map. It remains one of his most special octagon outings to this day.
#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.
#2 Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker - UFC 243
After securing the interim UFC middleweight championship with a masterful display against Kelvin Gastelum, Israel Adesanya squared off against Robert Whittaker in a unification bout. What followed was one of the best title-fight performances in UFC history as Adesanya snatched the strap with a second-round knockout of the Australian.
As Whittaker struggled to close the distance against his rangier opponent, Adesanya picked him apart with a smart assortment of kicks and carefully timed counters. He dropped 'The Reaper' in the first round, and although Whittaker seemed to be adjusting to his timing, Adesanya landed a clean check hook to seal the deal.
Whittaker went down, bloodied and almost completely out of it. Adesanya was crowned the undisputed UFC champion and he hasn't looked back since. He will meet his nemesis again in the coming months, this time as the champion.
#1 Israel Adesanya vs Kelvin Gastelum - UFC 236
Israel Adesanya's fight against Kelvin Gastelum deservedly takes the #1 spot on this list, although 'The Last Stylebender' nearly tasted defeat in this all-out war. Showing great heart and determination to clinch the hard-fought contest by virtue of an excellent fifth round, Adesanya tasted UFC gold for the first time.
Gastelum initiated most exchanges, relying on his incredible chin and well-rounded skillset to mix things up. The two men traded blows in almost every manner, with the Mexican-born fighter's resilience pushing Adesanya to the limit. Ahead of the fifth and final round, Adesanya could be seen mouthing "I'm prepared to die."
Adesanya landed three knockdowns in the final round as Gastelum hung on for dear life to put the fight in the judges' hands. All three judges scored it 49-46 as Adesanya was crowned the new UFC interim middleweight champion.
