Israel Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender”, is a Nigerian-New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, former kickboxer, and boxer. Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya rose to fame in UFC’s Middleweight division, where he became a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion. With his elite striking, unorthodox style, and showmanship, Adesanya has become one of the biggest stars in MMA history.
In this article, we will explore Israel Adesanya’s net worth, age, height, weight, career, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and interesting facts. Read on to find out everything about this legendary fighter!
Israel Adesanya Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya |
| Stage Name | The Last Stylebender |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist, Kickboxer, Boxer |
| Hometown | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian, New Zealander |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1989 |
| Age (2025) | 35 years old |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Reach | 80 in (203 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Years Active | 2010 – Present |
| MMA Record | 24 Wins – 5 Losses |
| Notable Titles | 2x UFC Middleweight Champion |
Early Life and Career
Early Life
Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and is of Yoruba descent. His father was an accountant, and his mother was a nurse. In 1999, his family moved to New Zealand for better education opportunities.
Adesanya attended Rotorua Boys’ High School, where he was bullied, which later inspired him to pursue martial arts. He was fascinated by anime and Japanese culture, particularly shows like Naruto and Avatar: The Last Airbender, which influenced his “Stylebender” nickname.
At age 18, he started kickboxing after watching Ong-Bak, a Muay Thai movie. He soon became an amateur kickboxing champion (32-1 record) before turning professional.
Kickboxing Career
- Competed in Glory Kickboxing.
- Had 80 total fights (75 wins, 5 losses).
- Won King in the Ring tournaments multiple times.
- Fought Alex Pereira twice and lost before transitioning to MMA.
MMA Career Highlights
Early MMA Career (2012-2017)
Adesanya made his professional MMA debut in 2012 and fought mostly in Oceania and China, amassing an undefeated record of 11-0 before joining the UFC in 2018.
UFC Career (2018-Present)
UFC Debut & Early Success
- UFC Debut (2018): Defeated Rob Wilkinson via TKO at UFC 221.
- Defeated Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson in dominant performances.
Winning the UFC Middleweight Championship
- UFC 236 (April 2019): Defeated Kelvin Gastelum in a five-round war to win the Interim Middleweight Title.
- UFC 243 (October 2019): Defeated Robert Whittaker via KO to become undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion.
Successful Title Defenses (2019-2022)
- Defended title against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker (rematch), and Jared Cannonier.
Move to Light Heavyweight (2021)
- Challenged Jan BÅ‚achowicz for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 259 (March 2021) but lost via unanimous decision.
Losing the Title & Regaining It (2022-2023)
- Lost the Middleweight Title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 (November 2022).
- Won the rematch at UFC 287 (April 2023), knocking out Pereira in Round 2.
Downfall & Losing the Belt Again (2023-2025)
- Lost to Sean Strickland via unanimous decision at UFC 293 (September 2023).
- Lost to Dricus du Plessis via submission (August 2024) at UFC 305.
- Lost to Nassourdine Imavov via TKO (February 2025) at UFC Fight Night 250.
Adesanya is currently on a three-fight losing streak, leading to speculation about his future in MMA.
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Oluwafemi Adesanya | Father (Accountant) |
| Taiwo Adesanya | Mother (Nurse) |
| Siblings | Four Younger Siblings |
Adesanya keeps his personal life private, and no confirmed romantic relationships have been publicized.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Reach | 80 in (203 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | Multiple anime-themed tattoos |
Israel Adesanya Net Worth & Income Sources (2025)
Israel Adesanya is one of the highest-paid UFC fighters and has multiple income streams.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| UFC Fight Purses & Bonuses | $10 million+ |
| PPV Shares & Sponsorships | $5 million+ |
| Endorsements (Puma, Call of Duty, Engage, etc.) | $3 million+ |
| Merchandise & Investments | $2 million+ |
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
💰 $15 – $18 million
Adesanya’s biggest earnings came from fights against Paulo Costa, Robert Whittaker, Alex Pereira, and Jan BÅ‚achowicz.
Lesser-Known Facts About Israel Adesanya
- Loves Anime – His nickname “The Last Stylebender” comes from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- First African UFC Champion – Alongside Kamaru Usman & Francis Ngannou.
- Has a YouTube Channel where he posts fight breakdowns and anime discussions.
- Trains at City Kickboxing in New Zealand alongside Alexander Volkanovski.
- Had an undefeated 20-0 MMA record before his first loss.
- Has been arrested twice – Once for carrying brass knuckles (2022) and another for DUI (2023).
- Has beaten the same opponent (Robert Whittaker) twice in UFC title fights.
- Lost to Alex Pereira twice in kickboxing before finally defeating him in MMA.
- First MMA fighter to sign a deal with Puma.
- Has an obsession with luxury cars, including a McLaren 720S.
FAQs About Israel Adesanya
Q: What is Israel Adesanya’s net worth in 2025?
A: His estimated net worth is $15 – $18 million.
Q: How many times has Israel Adesanya won the UFC title?
A: He is a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion.
Q: What is Israel Adesanya’s fighting style?
A: He is a kickboxer with elite striking, movement, and counter-punching.
Q: What happened in Adesanya vs Imavov?
A: Adesanya lost via 2nd-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 250 (February 2025).
Conclusion
Israel Adesanya remains one of the greatest UFC Middleweights of all time. Despite recent losses, his legacy, impact, and influence on MMA are undeniable. Whether he retires or makes a comeback, fans will always remember The Last Stylebender.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.
