Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya, known as Israel Adesanya, is a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA). Adesanya is a professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight division.
Here are Israel Adesanya’s net worth, earnings, prize money, professional career, biography, achievements, relationship status, and more.
Israel Adesanya’s Biography
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1989 |
| Age | 34 (as of 2023) |
| Nationality | Nigerian-New Zealander |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Height | 6′ 4″ |
| Weight | 185 lbs (Middleweight) |
| Nickname | The Last Stylebender |
| Parents | Oluwafemi (father, an accountant), Taiwo (mother, a nurse) |
| Siblings | Eldest of five children |
| Education | Chrisland School, Opebi; Rotorua Boys’ High School, New Zealand |
| Martial Arts Training | Started training in kickboxing at 18; began training in MMA in New Zealand at 21 |
| Professional MMA Debut | 2012 |
| UFC Debut | February 2018 |
| Current MMA Record | 24-3-0 |
| Instagram Handle | style bender |
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Nigeria. As a child, he began his martial arts journey in Taekwondo but was removed from the club by his mother following an injury.
His family moved to Ghana for a period before settling in Rotorua, New Zealand, when he was 10. There, he attended Rotorua Boys’ High School.
Known for his striking prowess, Adesanya has trained in various fighting styles, including Muay Thai, Western Boxing, Dutch Kickboxing, and Taekwondo, in addition to his MMA career.
UFC Career
Israel Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender,” has had a remarkable career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), particularly in the Middleweight division.
He is known for his striking prowess and ability to switch stances, leading to many victories.
Adesanya made his UFC debut in February 2018 and quickly rose to prominence.
He has had several notable fights, including victories over Robert Whittaker, Marvin Vettori, Anderson Silva, and Kelvin Gastelum.
His professional MMA record stands at 24-3-0.
One of his most memorable fights was against Robert Whittaker at UFC 243, where he won the Middleweight title.
Adesanya dropped Whittaker with a left hook, securing his championship status.
Another standout fight was against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236, often considered one of his best performances.
Adesanya held the UFC Middleweight title for four years, defending it multiple times against various opponents.
However, in September 2023, he lost the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.
Strickland outlanded Adesanya 137-94 in total strikes and dropped Adesanya with a right hand in the opening round, becoming the first fighter to do so in the UFC.
Adesanya’s record includes notable wins and a few losses. He has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 3 losses, with 16 of his wins coming through knockout.
His losses include a TKO defeat to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022.
Relationship Status
Israel Adesanya’s relationship status is somewhat unclear. He has been linked to Australian model Shana Evers, who is rumored to have been dating since September 2021.
Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth Details
Israel Adesanya’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025. He has amassed significant wealth through his successful career in mixed martial arts.
Fight Purses
Adesanya’s earnings come from various sources, including his fights in the UFC, sponsorships, and endorsements.
His total recorded fight earnings amount to approximately $10,749,500.
His biggest payout was $1,740,000 for his fight against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. In his battle against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, Adesanya took home a hefty $3,180,000.
He earns a minimum of $1 million base pay for every one of his fights.
Here is a table summarizing Israel Adesanya’s UFC earnings:
| Fight Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Base Salary | PPV Buys | PPV Payout (est) | Performance Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| 2/11/2018 | UFC 221 | Rob Wilkinson | W | $50,000 | n/a | $0 | $50,000 | $4,000 | $104,000 |
| 4/14/2018 | UFC on FOX 29 | Marvin Veittor | W | $53,000 | n/a | $0 | $0 | $3,500 | $109,500 |
| 7/6/2018 | TUF: Undefeated Finale | Brad Tavares | W | $56,000 | n/a | $0 | $0 | $3,500 | $115,500 |
| 11/3/2018 | UFC 230 | Derek Brunson | W | $59,000 | n/a | $0 | $50,000 | $4,000 | $172,000 |
| 2/9/2019 | UFC 234 | Anderson Silva | W | $62,000 | n/a | $0 | $50,000 | $4,000 | $178,000 |
| 4/13/2019 | UFC 236 | Kelvin Gastelum | W | $350,000 | 100,000 | $0 | $50,000 | $5,000 | $405,000 |
| 10/5/2019 | UFC 243 | Robert Whittaker | W | $400,000 | 500,000 | $400,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $1,090,000 |
| 3/7/2020 | UFC 248 | Yoel Romero | W | $500,000 | 400,000 | $200,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $790,000 |
| 9/26/2020 | UFC 253 | Paulo Costa | W | $600,000 | 700,000 | $850,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $1,540,000 |
| 3/6/2021 | UFC 259 | Jan Blachowicz | L | $600,000 | 800,000 | $1,100,000 | $0 | $40,000 | $1,740,000 |
| 6/12/2021 | UFC 263 | Marvin Vettori | W | $500,000 | 600,000 | $600,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $1,142,000 |
| 2/12/2022 | UFC 271 | Robert Whittaker | W | $1,000,000 | 550,000 | $500,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $1,542,000 |
| 7/2/2022 | UFC 276 | Jared Cannonier | W | $1,500,000 | 400,000 | $200,000 | $30,000 | $42,000 | $1,772,000 |
| 11/12/2022 | UFC 281 | Alex Pereira | L | $2,000,000 | 600,000 | $600,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $2,642,000 |
| 4/8/2023 | UFC 287 | Alex Pereira | W | $2,000,000 | 650,000 | $725,000 | $50,000 | $32,000 | $2,807,000 |
Endorsements
Israel Adesanya has secured several lucrative endorsement deals that have contributed significantly to his net worth and brand.
Some of the notable endorsements include:
- Puma: In September 2020, Adesanya became the first MMA fighter to land a sponsorship deal with the sportswear brand Puma. He is the face of their Oceania division and is involved in their global plans.
- Engage: He has an endorsement deal with fight gear supplier Engage, which is a part of his sponsorship portfolio.
- Call of Duty: In November 2020, Adesanya partnered with the famous video game franchise Call of Duty, which was a significant deal considering his interest in gaming.
- Monster Energy: He is associated with the energy drink brand, which is known for sponsoring various sports and athletes.
- PRIME Hydration: Adesanya and fellow UFC fighter Alex Volkanovski became the first athletes sponsored by the sports drinks brand Prime, co-founded by social media influencers KSI and Logan Paul.
UFC Records
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2023 | UFC 293 | Sean Strickland | L | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Lost the UFC middleweight championship |
| Apr 8, 2023 | UFC 287 | Alex Pereira | W | KO (Punches) | 2 | 4:21 | Won the UFC middleweight championship |
| Nov 12, 2022 | UFC 281 | Alex Pereira | L | TKO (Punches) | 5 | 2:01 | Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Jul 2, 2022 | UFC 276 | Jared Cannonier | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Feb 12, 2022 | UFC 271 | Robert Whittaker | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Jun 12, 2021 | UFC 263 | Marvin Vettori | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Mar 6, 2021 | UFC 259 | Jan Blachowicz | L | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Light Heavyweight debut. For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship |
| Sep 27, 2020 | UFC 253 | Paulo Costa | W | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 3:59 | Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Mar 7, 2020 | UFC 248 | Yoel Romero | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Oct 6, 2019 | UFC 243 | Robert Whittaker | W | KO (Punches) | 2 | 3:33 | Unified the UFC Middleweight title |
| Apr 13, 2019 | UFC 236 | Kelvin Gastelum | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Won the interim UFC Middleweight Championship |
| Feb 10, 2019 | UFC 234 | Anderson Silva | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Nov 3, 2018 | UFC 230 | Derek Brunson | W | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:51 | |
| Jul 6, 2018 | The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale | Brad Tavares | W | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | |
| Apr 14, 2018 | UFC on FOX: Poirier vs. Gaethje | Marvin Vettori | W | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 | |
| Feb 11, 2018 | UFC 221 | Rob Wilkinson | W | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 3:37 | UFC Debut |
FAQs
1. Who is Israel Adesanya?
Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer. He competes in the UFC Middleweight division and is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion. Known as “The Last Stylebender,” Adesanya is celebrated for his striking skills and unique fighting style.
2. What is Israel Adesanya’s fighting record?
Israel Adesanya has an MMA record of 24 wins and 5 losses as of February 2025. In kickboxing, he achieved 75 wins and 5 losses, while his boxing record stands at 5 wins and 1 loss. His career highlights include defeating top fighters like Robert Whittaker and Anderson Silva.
3. Where was Israel Adesanya born, and where does he train?
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to New Zealand at age 21 and trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland. This gym has been instrumental in shaping his MMA career.
4. What inspired Israel Adesanya to pursue combat sports?
Adesanya began training in kickboxing at age 18 after watching the movie Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. He later transitioned to MMA at age 21, where he found success with his striking background and dedication to the sport.
5. Why is Israel Adesanya nicknamed “The Last Stylebender”?
Adesanya’s nickname “The Last Stylebender” is inspired by the anime series Avatar: The Last Airbender. It reflects his ability to adapt and master multiple fighting styles, much like the show’s protagonist mastering elements.
6. What are some of Israel Adesanya’s career achievements?
Adesanya held the UFC Middleweight title for four years, defending it five times against elite opponents like Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa. He also won the Fight of the Night award for his bout against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236.
7. What controversies has Israel Adesanya faced?
Adesanya has faced criticism for comments referencing sensitive topics like 9/11 and derogatory remarks on social media. He has also been involved in legal issues such as drunk driving and possession of brass knuckles, for which he issued public apologies.
8. What are Israel Adesanya’s interests outside MMA?
Adesanya is passionate about anime and dancing. He plans to open an anime production company after retiring from MMA. He showcased his love for dance during a choreographed walkout at UFC 243.
9. What challenges has Israel Adesanya faced recently?
Adesanya has struggled with performance consistency, losing four of his last five fights. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to reclaim his position as a top contender in the Middleweight division.
10. What impact has Israel Adesanya had on MMA?
Adesanya revolutionized MMA with his striking artistry and charisma, earning him sponsorship deals like Puma’s first MMA athlete partnership. His influence extends beyond fighting, inspiring fans worldwide through his unique personality and style inside the Octagon.
