Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” stands out in MMA with his flashy striking and dance-like moves that throw opponents off. Born in Nigeria and now repping New Zealand, he’s a former UFC middleweight champ who’s had massive highs and tough recent losses, but his skills keep fans hooked heading into 2026.
Israel Adesanya’s Biography
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Israel Adesanya |
| Nickname | The Last Stylebender |
| Born | July 22, 1989, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Age | 36 years |
| College | University of Auckland |
| Religion | Non-religious, Christian family background |
| Nationality | Nigerian-New Zealander |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Turned Pro (MMA) | 2012 |
| Net Worth (2026 est) | $8-10 million |
| Salary (per fight) | $2-3 million+ for big bouts |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
| @stylebender |
Early Career
Israel Adesanya moved from Nigeria to New Zealand at 12 and got into kickboxing after a street fight. He racked up an amateur record of 32-1, then turned pro in 2008, dominating in China and winning the Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament. By 2014, he tried boxing but switched fully to MMA in 2012, training at City Kickboxing under Eugene Bareman with guys like Dan Hooker.
Professional Career
Adesanya joined UFC in 2018 and tore through the ranks with TKOs over Rob Wilkinson and Derek Brunson, plus decisions against Anderson Silva and Kelvin Gastelum for the interim title. He unified the belt by KO’ing Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 in 2019, defended against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and others, but lost to Jan Blachowicz at light heavyweight.
Losses to Alex Pereira twice sandwiched title regains, then defeats to Sean Strickland, Pereira rematch win, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov in 2025 left him on a skid, but he’s teasing a 2026 return with new risks.
Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Israel Adesanya’s net worth sits around $8-10 million, built from UFC purses totaling over $10.7 million recorded so far, PPV shares, and deals outside the cage. His dad handles finances, and even Izzy admits he doesn’t track it exactly, but big paydays like $2.8 million vs. Pereira keep it climbing despite recent losses.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event/Date | Base Salary | PPV Payout (est) | Bonuses/Sponsors | Total |
| Rob Wilkinson | UFC 221 (2018) | $50k | $0 | $103.5k | $153.5k |
| Marvin Vettori | UFC on FOX 29 | $53k | $0 | $56.5k | $109.5k |
| Brad Tavares | TUF 27 Finale | $56k | $0 | $59.5k | $115.5k |
| Derek Brunson | UFC 230 (2018) | $59k | $0 | $113k | $172k |
| Anderson Silva | UFC 234 (2019) | $62k | $0 | $116k | $178k |
| Kelvin Gastelum | UFC 236 (2019) | $350k | $0 | $55k | $405k |
| Robert Whittaker | UFC 243 (2019) | $600k | $400k | $90k | $1.09M |
| Yoel Romero | UFC 248 (2020) | $500k | $200k | $90k | $790k |
| Paulo Costa | UFC 253 (2020) | $600k | $850k | $90k | $1.54M |
| Jan Blachowicz | UFC 259 (2021) | $600k | $1.1M | $40k | $1.74M |
| Marvin Vettori | UFC 263 (2021) | $500k | $600k | $42k | $1.14M |
| Robert Whittaker | UFC 271 (2022) | $1M | $500k | $42k | $1.54M |
| Jared Cannonier | UFC 276 (2022) | $1.5M | $200k | $72k | $1.77M |
| Alex Pereira | UFC 281 (2022) | $2M | $600k | $42k | $2.64M |
| Alex Pereira | UFC 287 (2023) | $2M | $725k | $82k | $2.81M |
| Dricus du Plessis | UFC 305 (2024) | $2M | $400k | $32k | $2.43M |
Endorsements
Israel Adesanya pulls in solid cash from endorsements beyond UFC fights, starting with his groundbreaking multi-year Puma deal in 2020 as the first MMA fighter they sponsored for apparel and shoes—though UFC uniform rules kept it out of the cage.
He’s linked with EA Sports UFC for game features, crypto platform FlowBank, and grooming brand ENGAGE, plus past nods to New Zealand cannabis referendum spots. These deals, alongside his 8.7 million Instagram followers, boost his brand with flashy posts mixing fights, dances, and music, keeping the income steady even in tough fight stretches.
Career Records
| Opponent | Date/Event | Result | Method/Round |
| Nassourdine Imavov | Feb 2025/UFC FN | Loss | TKO Rd 2 |
| Dricus du Plessis | Aug 2024/UFC 305 | Loss | Sub Rd 4 |
| Sean Strickland | Sep 2023/UFC 293 | Loss | Unan Dec Rd 5 |
| Alex Pereira | Apr 2023/UFC 287 | Win (Title) | KO Rd 2 |
| Alex Pereira | Nov 2022/UFC 281 | Loss (Title) | KO Rd 5 |
| Jared Cannonier | Jul 2022/UFC 276 | Win (Title Def) | Unan Dec Rd 5 |
| Robert Whittaker | Feb 2022/UFC 271 | Win (Title Def) | Unan Dec Rd 5 |
| Paulo Costa | Sep 2020/UFC 253 | Win (Title Def) | KO Rd 2 |
| Yoel Romero | Mar 2020/UFC 248 | Win (Title Def) | Unan Dec Rd 5 |
| Robert Whittaker | Oct 2019/UFC 243 | Win (Title Unif) | KO Rd 2 |
| Anderson Silva | Feb 2019/UFC 234 | Win | Unan Dec Rd 3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Israel Adesanya?
Israel Adesanya, nicknamed “The Last Stylebender,” is a professional mixed martial artist born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 22, 1989, and raised in New Zealand. He competes in the UFC middleweight division and is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion with accomplishments in kickboxing and boxing.
2. What is Israel Adesanya’s nickname origin?
His nickname “The Last Stylebender” references the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, reflecting his anime fandom and fluid striking style developed from kickboxing. He adopted it during his early career in New Zealand and China, where he was also called “The Black Dragon.”
3. What is Israel Adesanya’s professional MMA record?
Adesanya holds a 24-5 record in MMA, with 16 wins by knockout, 8 by decision, and losses by 2 TKOs, 1 submission, and 2 decisions. He debuted professionally in 2012 and joined the UFC in 2018.
4. How did Israel Adesanya become UFC Middleweight Champion?
Adesanya first won the interim UFC Middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 in 2019, then unified it by knocking out Robert Whittaker at UFC 243. He regained the full title by knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in 2023 after losing it to him earlier.
5. What are Israel Adesanya’s physical stats?
Israel Adesanya stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall with an 80-inch reach and fights at 185 pounds in the middleweight division. His leg reach measures 44 inches, aiding his striking range.
6. What is Israel Adesanya’s kickboxing background?
Before MMA, Adesanya was a top kickboxer with a 75-5 record, winning the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament and multiple King in the Ring titles. He challenged for the Glory Middleweight Championship and fought notable opponents like Alex Pereira twice.
7. Who is Israel Adesanya’s next fight against?
Israel Adesanya is scheduled to face Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Fight Night 271 on March 28, 2026. This follows his recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025.
8. What was Israel Adesanya’s last fight result?
Adesanya lost to Nassourdine Imavov by TKO in the second round at UFC Fight Night on February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It marked his fifth professional loss.
9. Where does Israel Adesanya train?
Adesanya trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, under coach Eugene Bareman alongside fighters like Dan Hooker and Alexander Volkanovski. He also works on wrestling with coach Andrei Păuleț.
10. What are Israel Adesanya’s major UFC achievements?
Adesanya made eight title fight appearances, earned six Performance of the Night bonuses, and had his fight with Kelvin Gastelum inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025. He holds records for second-most title wins and knockdowns in UFC middleweight history.