Nigerian/New Zealand · Lagos, Nigeria · Born 22 July 1989Unified the middleweight title in 2019, defended it five times, lost and regained it in 2022, then lost it again to Sean Strickland in 2023.
Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya was born on 22 July 1989 in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved with his family to New Zealand as a child, living in Rotorua before relocating to Auckland at 21 to pursue mixed martial arts, training at City Kickboxing under head coach Eugene Bareman. Adesanya built an extensive kickboxing career, compiling 75 wins, before turning to mixed martial arts full-time in 2012, developing into one of the most stylistically distinctive strikers in UFC history, nicknamed "The Last Stylebender" for his unpredictable, unorthodox movement and range. Adesanya won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2019, defeating Robert Whittaker, and became a two-time champion after reclaiming the title, delivering one of the most anticipated light heavyweight title challenges in UFC history against Jan Błachowicz in 2021, which he lost by decision. Adesanya lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland in 2023 before briefly reclaiming it, and has continued competing at the top of the division, remaining one of the most influential and widely recognised ambassadors for mixed martial arts across Africa and Oceania.
'The Last Stylebender,' iconic elite striker and two-time UFC Middleweight Champion
How They Played
Adesanya is renowned for his elite kickboxing background, featuring exceptional distance management, precise counter-striking, and fluid movement. His long reach and technical striking allow him to pick apart opponents from the outside while his feints and timing create openings for devastating counters. He combines traditional kickboxing techniques with creative angles and unorthodox strikes.
Lasting Impact
Adesanya elevated the profile of African fighters in MMA and brought a new level of striking artistry to the middleweight division. His charismatic personality and anime-inspired celebrations helped attract a younger, more diverse fanbase to the sport.
Career Honours
- Interim UFC Middleweight Champion 2019
- UFC Middleweight Champion 2019-2021, 5 defenses
- UFC Middleweight Champion 2022-2023, 1 defense
- UFC Hall of Fame 2025
Nigerian/New Zealand Athletes