Israel Adesanya Biography, Background, and Net Worth

Israel Adesanya whose full name is Isreal Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya was born July 22, 1989 in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the oldest of 5 to father Oluwafemi, an accountant and mother Taiwo, a nurse.

Early Life and Background

In 1999 at 10 years old he and his family moved to Rotorua, New Zealand for better education. He attended Rotorua Boys’ High School. During his high school days he developed an interest in Japanese anime and got bullied which later motivated him to take up martial arts. At18 he watched the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak and started training in kickboxing. 2 years later he moved to Auckland to train in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing.

Professional Fighting Career

Kickboxing and Boxing

Adesanya’s combat sports career started in kickboxing where he had an impressive amateur record of 32-1 before going pro and competing in China. He also dabbled in boxing and competed in the Super 8 Boxing Tournament in New Zealand where he won the cruiserweight title in 2015.

Mixed Martial Arts and UFC

Adesanya turned pro in MMA in 2012. He quickly gained attention for his striking and unorthodox style and got the nickname “The Last Stylebender” a nod to his love for anime. In 2018 he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and made an impact in the Middleweight division. By April 2019 he had won the interim UFC Middleweight title and later unified the title by defeating Robert Whittaker in October 2019. He has successfully defended his title multiple times and is now one of the top fighters in the division.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside the octagon Adesanya is known for his charismatic personality and many interests. He is multilingual, speaking Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin and English. Before his fighting career he was into dance competitions around New Zealand and showed off his dancing skills with a choreographed walkout at UFC 243. A big anime fan Adesanya has mentioned he wants to start an anime production company after retirement. His nickname and several tattoos including one of Toph Beifong from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” reflects this love. In September 2020 he became the first mixed martial arts athlete to sign a sponsorship deal with Puma. And in June 2023 a documentary titled “Stylebender” about his life premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Net Worth

As of 2022 Israel Adesanya’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This is from his fight purses, performance bonuses and endorsement deals including his deal with Puma. His success in the UFC has increased his earnings significantly with big paydays for his title fights and title defences.

Israel Adesanya’s journey from a young boy in Lagos to a global mixed martial arts superstar is a testament to hard work, resilience and a unique blend of athleticism and personal style. He’s making a big impact in the sport and pop culture.