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Middleweight king Israel Adesanya joined the UFC in 2018. He turned pro in 2012 and amassed an 11 fight win streak. His journey in combat sports started even earlier. Adesanya was a prolific kickboxer and built a stellar record of 75-5. He also tried his hand at pro boxing, winning five bouts and losing one.
Adesanya is among the best counter strikers in all of MMA. He has beaten many high-profile middleweights including Robert Whittaker, Anderson Silva and Marvin Vettori. While his skills are impressive, it's his flashy style that truly makes him stand out. He is flamboyant and eccentric. From press conferences to post-fight interviews, the 32-year-old's uniqueness always shines through.
'The Last Stylebender' is also a big fan of anime and never misses an opportunity to showcase it. His walkouts and celebrations are often inspired by and pay homage to his favorite shows and games. The former dancer never shies away from showing off his dance moves after winning a fight, either.
Every time 'The Last Stylebender' fights, it's a spectacle. On this list, we'll take a look at five of his best post-fight celebrations.
#5. UFC 221: Israel Adesanya vs. Rob Wilkinson
A UFC debut can be nerve-racking for any athlete. However, Adesanya's demeanor was calm when he walked out during UFC 221.
From the moment the bell rang, Adesanya looked like the better fighter. He stuffed almost all of Rob Wilkinson's takedowns and landed precise strikes. 'The Last Stylebender' took over in the second round, landing big, accurate punches. He put his opponent away at the 3:37 mark.
While most fighters are ecstatic after their first UFC win, the debutant almost seemed stoic. Instead of raising his arms, he shrugged and made a subtle gesture with his hand. It was as if he didn't think he performed to his full potential. After his TKO victory over Rob Wilkinson, he announced:
"Middleweights, I'm the new dog in the yard."
The emotions hit him backstage. Adesanya sobbed as he walked with coach Eugene Bareman. He dedicated the win to a friend who passed away and said:
''we f***ing made it.''
While it was not a flashy celebration, it was a special one.
#4. UFC 234: Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva
The Auckland resident headlined UFC 234. It was only his 5th fight in the promotion. Anderson Silva, his opponent, also happened to be one of his inspirations. Izzy is always confident and, when facing opponents, may even seem arrogant. He is also a trash talker who tries to get into his opponent's minds.
However, he did no such thing before facing Anderson Silva. He showed nothing but respect as Silva broke into tears during the weigh-in. The fight was an exciting back and forth ordeal. It was a clash of similar styles, and Izzy ultimately outperformed the legend in every way.
When the fight ended, Adesanya and Silva embraced. It was a passing of the torch moment. The greatest middleweight in UFC history acknowledged the future king:
"I pass the baton to you. I'm telling you this is iconic in history. I think I need the picture framed as well."
Adesanya raised the former champion's hand. After the official announcement, the two warriors bowed to each other.
#3. UFC 230: Isreal Adesanya vs. Derek Brunson
'The Last Stylebender' fought Derek Brunson in 2018. The build-up to the fight was intense. There was a lot of resentment between the pair. During the UFC 230 press conference, Brunson said:
''You're built like a senior citizen.''
On paper, Brunson was Adesanya's first big challenge. The All-American wanted to overwhelm Adesanya with his wrestling. However, on fight night, Izzy came prepared.
He outclassed the veteran UFC middleweight on the feet. While Brunson tried everything to take Adesanya down, the Nigerian managed to stay upright. Coming off a clinch, he stunned Brunson with a knee to the head in round one and finished him with a flurry of strikes.
After the stoppage, Adesanya began to celebrate. He broke out the dance moves. The former dancer's skills were on full display as he danced while a dazed Brunson recovered in his corner. Adesanya then scaled the cage and blew a kiss towards the audience. He finally finished his celebration by bowing down near the octagon door.
#2. UFC 253: Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa
Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa was among the most hotly anticipated UFC fights of 2020. The pair had developed a bitter rivalry, badmouthing each other at every opportunity leading up to the contest.
The fight, however, was a one-sided affair. The champion controlled the pace and landed vicious leg kicks. Costa took a defensive approach in round one. Unable to properly move with a beaten-up leg, Costa became desperate. In round two he swung wildly, and Adesanya dropped him with a counter-left hook.
After the finish, Izzy began his celebration with a controversial move. He appeared to hump a downed Costa before going over to his corner. He shook Eugene Bareman's hand, looked into the camera and spoke in Nigerian:
''I had to make you all remember. I had to remind the world why we the best.”
This was Izzy's response to some fans who labeled him boring after the Yoel Romero fight. He then breakdanced on the octagon floor. During the official decision, he danced some more.
Costa felt disrespected at how Izzy commenced his celebration. There is still bad blood between the pair.
#1. UFC 243: Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker
After joining the UFC, Israel Adesanya went on a five-fight win streak. He fought for the interim middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum. Izzy out-pointed Gastelum and earned his chance to fight champion Robert Whittaker. UFC 243 happened in Australia, where the crowd supported Whittaker.
Adesanya's walkout was one of the best in UFC history. His performance inside the octagon was equally impressive. He outstruck Whittaker and dropped him in the first round, but the Aussie was saved by the bell. In the second round, he dropped Whittaker again with a counter-left hook and jumped on him for the finish.
'The Last Stylebender' immediately took to the center of the octagon. He gestured as if he was firing a machine gun. He scaled the cage and blew kisses to the crowd. However, the best part of the celebration came a little later. Adesanya invited his parents into the octagon. He then put the title down in front of their feet and bowed down. He also called out Paulo Costa in the post-fight interview.
At UFC 243, the Nigerian celebrated his win and his dominance over the division. Most importantly, he celebrated the people who brought him into this world.
