Birthday Tribute: How Israel Adesanya Changed the UFC Forever

Fresh off turning 36 years old, Israel Adesanya remains one of the biggest UFC and MMA stars in the world. The middleweight division superstar is a former champion, has been in the game for a decade and a half, and continues to inspire younger fighters as well as people outside of the fighting sports sphere. The Last Stylebender celebrated his 36th birthday on 22 July, and in honor, we take a look at the career of Israel Adesanya and how he managed to change the Ultimate Fighting Championship forever. 

Both in and out of the octagon, the former kickboxing champion has been a revelation, and as the fans are eager to learn when his next fight will be, let us look at how he got here. Speaking of the next fight, as well as every upcoming MMA event within the UFC, Stake.com is the official betting partner of the promotion, so make sure to check the latest odds for the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Albazi VS. Taira on August 3. 

How Adesanya Changed UFC and MMA 

Israel Adesanya is a household name in the UFC and MMA as a whole, but it was not always so. The fighter has left an incredible mark on the promotion and transformed the sport with his unique blend of mastery, charisma, and cultural influence. He rose to prominence with an undefeated streak and won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2019, which was only the beginning of his dominance. He brought a new level of artistry to the fighting sport and, with a strong background in kickboxing, ushered in a career of precision and style rarely seen in the octagon. It helped make him one of the most exciting strikers in the history of the UFC. 

What has truly set him apart from his contemporaries, but also the fighters that came after him, is his ability to mix elite fighting with showmanship. He was not just winning his fights and dominating opponents; he was making statements. His choreographed walkouts, anime references, and bold fashion sense redefined what it means to be a star in the UFC in the modern era. It garnered him a global fandom and allowed him to connect with a global audience on a whole new level. Younger fans loved him for his authenticity and cultural fluency, as well as not caring what others think about him being different and jumping out of the typical molds. 

Inside the cage, the technical brilliance was matched by his fight IQ and awareness. Anderson Silva, Robert Whittaker, and Paulo Costa, legends of the sport, found themselves dismantled with surgical precision. Their era was over, and the period of dominance in the middleweight division began with Adesanya. He controlled distance, read opponents, and adapted mig fight to raise the bar for what was expected of the best of the best. While he has slowed down as of late, the legacy is intact, and what he has done for the sport will always remain visible, held in high regard by everyone. Israel Adesanya’s official Stake Partnership helped bring attention to the sport as a legitimate sports betting option and opened a whole new market for the fans who did not think of MMA when making their bets. 

Israel Adesanya also did wonders outside the octagon and pushed the boundaries where it mattered most. He spoke openly on issues like mental health, racism, and fighter pay. Therefore, he became a voice of change within the sport and did a whole lot of good for his generation of fighters. His presence forced the UFC to consider how it markets and treats the athletes, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds and areas where it is difficult to break out into the mainstream. He did not just win titles; he reshaped the UFC’s culture, aesthetics, and global appeal. His impact will be felt for years to come, and with his imminent retirement looming closer, many fighters will try to carry the torch and present themselves as athletes and entertainers, but also advocates for what is right. 

A Complete List of Fights 

Over his career in the UFC, Adesanya has had numerous fights and is currently sitting at a 13-5 record. Some were high profile and remain classics, while others were not. For a clear view of his career, here is a table listing all his bouts, including the event in which they took place and the method of win/loss.

Israel Adesanya’s Record Against Opponents 

Since he has fought certain fighters multiple times, let us take a look at his opponents’ records. With some, he has a winning record; others he fought only once and lost, and there is one famous tie. He has had 18 UFC fights and 14 opponents. Who will be his next fight, and will it be a new opponent or a familiar face? We will have to wait and see. Make sure to check back for an exclusive Israel Adesanya’s promotion before his next bout.  

He has never lost to the same opponent twice in the UFC, but has one more loss to Pereira in kickboxing. It can be said that Alex has been his greatest rival in MMA so far. 

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Israel Adesanya 

We often cannot help but wonder about the more peculiar sides of famous people. Athletes and celebrities are fascinating for their skills and careers, but we as fans are always interested in the deeper facts about them. Personal lives, hidden talents, ways of thinking, it is all almost as fascinating as their success and fame. With that in mind, here are some peculiar facts and trivia about Adesanya.

• He Studied Computer Design in College

Before going all in on combat sports, Adesanya studied computer design at a tertiary institute in New Zealand. He enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui. However, he eventually dropped out to pursue fighting, but the artistic and digital skills he picked up influenced his interest in graphic design, fashion, and custom merchandise.

• He Has a Deadpool Logo Tattoo

Adesanya has multiple tattoos referencing anime and pop culture, but one of the more surprising ones is the Deadpool logo. It is a nod to the antihero’s wit and unpredictability. His body art is a canvas of his identity, and contains characters from Naruto, Alien vs. Predator, and more.

• He Co-Owns a Media Company

Adesanya is a co-owner of ENGAGE, an MMA apparel and media company based in New Zealand. He uses it to support fighters, produce creative content, and release his own limited edition gear and storytelling projects outside of the UFC. It is his artistic outlet and an obvious sign of his love for design. 

• He is a Part-Time Vegan

While not strictly vegan all year round, Adesanya has experimented with a plant based diet during training camps. He has talked about eating clean to optimize performance and occasionally cutting out animal products altogether for health and energy.

• He Believes in Aliens and Parallel Realities

Adesanya has mentioned in interviews and podcasts that he is very interested in extraterrestrial life, multiverses, and simulation theory. He reads and talks openly about metaphysics, altered states of consciousness, and the idea that reality might not be what it seems. Curious people like him are often the same ones who love fantasy, anime, and rich fictional worlds. 

Israel Adesanya FAQs 

1. Where is Israel Adesanya originally from?

Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 22, 1989. He is of Yoruba descent and proudly embraces his Nigerian heritage.

2. When did Israel Adesanya move to New Zealand?

Adesanya moved with his family to Rotorua, New Zealand, when he was around 10 years old. His parents sought better education and opportunities for their children and immigrated to the country. 

3. What is Adesanya’s full name?

His full name is Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya. Yoruba names are long like this and they carry deep cultural significance, often referencing faith, heritage, and blessings.

4. What kind of family does Israel Adesanya come from?

He comes from a well educated middle class family. His father, Femi Adesanya, is an accountant. His mother, Tae Adesanya, is a nurse. He has four younger siblings and often speaks fondly of his family. 

5. What were Israel Adesanya’s early interests before fighting?

Before combat sports, Adesanya was deeply into dancing, anime, and Japanese culture. He even competed in dance competitions during his teenage years in New Zealand.

6. Is Adesanya close to his family?

Yes, he is very close to his family. He frequently mentions their support and has credited his parents for his values and mental strength. His family sometimes attends his fights.

7. What languages does Israel Adesanya speak?

He speaks English fluently, and although he understands Yoruba, he admits he is not fluent in speaking his mother tongue. He also uses slang and phrases from Nigerian Pidgin English.

8. Does Israel Adesanya follow any religion?

He was raised in a Christian household, and while he sometimes references spiritual beliefs, he is not publicly aligned with a specific religion. His views appear more philosophical and introspective.

9. Where did Israel Adesanya go to school?

He attended Rotorua Boys’ High School in New Zealand. As a teen, he was an introvert and was sometimes bullied, which later influenced his decision to pursue martial arts.

10. What is Israel Adesanya like outside the ring?

Off the stage, Adesanya is known for being artistic, quirky, and expressive. He enjoys anime, fashion, video games, and often shares his thoughts on culture and identity on social media.

11. Is Israel Adesanya married, and does he have children?

No, he is not married and is currently single, or at least does not have a publicly known current girlfriend. He does not have any children yet. He previously dated Charlotte Powdrell, a New Zealand real estate agent and former nurse. Their relationship ended on bad terms.