A professional record that includes multiple titles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship defines the career of Israel Adesanya. Born in Lagos in 1989, he relocated to New Zealand at age ten. Before establishing himself as a prominent mixed martial artist, he achieved a high ranking in professional kickboxing, eventually transitioning fully into cage fighting during his early twenties.
Early Background and Athletic Foundation
The eldest of five children, Adesanya grew up in Nigeria before moving to Ghana and eventually settling in Rotorua, New Zealand. During his teenage years, he focused on Japanese anime and manga rather than organized sports. Exposure to the showmanship of British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed sparked his initial interest in combat. While pursuing a degree in Computer Design, the film Ong-Bak inspired him to begin kickboxing training at age 18.
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Adesanya compiled a significant amateur kickboxing record of 32-1 before turning professional. He competed extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, and China, participating in several regional tournaments. He won the King in the Ring Cruiserweights II and III tournaments, alongside The Heavyweights III title. His professional kickboxing career included stints in Glory of Heroes and the Glory organization, where he competed for the middleweight championship against Jason Wilnis, ending his tenure in the sport at a peak ranking of number four.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
In 2012, Adesanya made his professional mixed martial arts debut with a technical knockout win. After a two-year hiatus, he resumed his path in 2015, winning consecutive matches in regional circuits including Australia and China. He secured the AFC Middleweight Championship and the Hex Fight Series Middleweight title. In 2017, he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, relocating to Auckland to train under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing with partners including Dan Hooker and Alexander Volkanovski.
UFC Middleweight Tenure
Adesanya debuted in the UFC in early 2018 at UFC 221, securing a victory over Rob Wilkinson. Following wins against Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson, he defeated Anderson Silva in 2019. This momentum led to an interim title fight against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236, which he won via unanimous decision. Throughout his tenure, he earned multiple Performance of the Night honors, establishing himself as a dominant presence in the middleweight division.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 July 1989, Lagos, Nigeria
- Citizenship: New Zealand and Nigeria
- Professional debut: 2012
- Training gym: City Kickboxing, Auckland
- UFC middleweight ranking: #9 as of 12 September 2026
- Education: Universal College of Learning, Whanganui
Questions readers ask
Where does Israel Adesanya train?
He trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, under the guidance of coach Eugene Bareman.
Did Adesanya compete in other combat sports?
Yes, he was a professional kickboxer before transitioning to mixed martial arts, reaching a ranking of number four in that field.
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