As a mixed martial artist, Adesanya fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight division, where he is the former champion who has won the title twice. Adesanya was the oldest of five children when he was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His mother, Taiwo, is a nurse, while his father, Oluwafemi, is an accountant. Adesanya was a student at Chrisland School in Opebi and a member of the Taekwondo club after school until his mother had him withdrawn owing to an injury.
Adesanya and his family spent 10 months living in Ghana in 1999, but when he was 10 years old, they moved to Rotorua, New Zealand, where he attended Rotorua Boys' High School because their parents wanted to give their kids an internationally renowned higher education. After watching "Ong-Bak" a Thai movie, he began training in kickboxing. Two years later, he decided to stop going to school to pursue a future in kickboxing. He went on to have a record as an amateur fighter before turning pro and fighting in China.
Israel Adesanya's nationality
Israel Adesanya is from Lagos, Nigeria. Adesanya holds dual nationality. He has citizenship of both Nigeria and New Zealand, making him Nigerian as well as a New Zealander. Adesanya currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand.
Recent updates on Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya has a 24-4 MMA record. In November 2022, at UFC 281, Adesanya faced Alex Pereira, who had previously defeated him twice in kickboxing. It was Adesanya's first defeat at middleweight, as he was defeated and stripped of the belt via technical knockout in the fifth round.
In Adesanya's bout in April 2023, at UFC 287, a rematch between Pereira and Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship took place. In the second round, Adesanya knocked out Pereira to win the match and the title. He was awarded Performance of the Night for his triumph.
At UFC 293 on September 10, 2023, Adesanya lost his title against Sean Strickland via a unanimous decision. He then faced Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 305 and lost the bout via a fourth-round submission.
Related: Where Does Israel Adesanya Live?
*Last updated on January 28, 2025.
FAQs On Israel Adesanya
A. The total net worth of Israel Adesanya is $4 million.
A. Adesanya is known for using kicks and knees in his striking game. His left hook punch and spinning back kick are his most famous signature moves. He is also known for his counter-striking abilities, which allow him to wait for his opponents to make a move before he strikes.
A. Adesanya is known for his intense training regime, which includes a lot of sparring and strength training. He also spends much time studying his opponents, analyzing their fighting style and weaknesses.
A. Israel Adesanya boasts a record of 24 wins and 4 losses in MMA.
A. Israel Adesanya stands 6 feet 4 inches, or 193 cm tall.
A. Israel Adesanya had a pet dog named Milli. He faced backlash from the MMA community when he posted a video of touching his dog inappropriately.
