Israel Adesanya shares video tribute with five-word message after 26-year-old Kiwi MMA fighter passes away

Israel Adesanya has shared a video tribute and message in the wake of the unfortunate passing of a 26-year-old New Zealand MMA fighter. 'The Last Stylebender' joined many others to express his respect for his fellow Kiwi athlete.

Per Te Ao Maori News, Hakaraia Wilson passed away in Gisborne on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Wilson was in attendance for the 'Rhythm and Vines' festival that transpired there as a part of the New Year's Eve festivities.

The police issued a statement on the incident, indicating that they responded and attended to the sudden death at a place in Einstein Street, Gisborne, on Wednesday morning. They stated:

"The death is not suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner."

Hakaraia Wilson (4-3 MMA) last secured a first-round TKO victory against Mark Alcoba in a welterweight bout at Canggu Fight Night 32 in October 2024. The young fighter was known to have devoted the majority of his life to martial arts, extensively training in Jiu-Jitsu and later in MMA as well.

Te Ao Maori reported that, back in 2020, Wilson had credited his father's background as a fighter for inspiring him to take up martial arts and fighting. He implied that his Maori heritage was his superpower and also indicated that he'd been introduced to the combat realm at a young age. Wilson had trained in karate, Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing.

Israel Adesanya, a Nigeria-born New Zealand combatant has long been considered one of the most prominent figures in the combat sports dominion in New Zealand and beyond.

Fitness coach Diren Kartal was one of many supporters who put forth a tribute post on social media after Wilson's death. It comprised highlights from Wilson's BJJ, MMA, and miscellaneous martial arts training. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Adesanya re-posted the video. Moreover, 'Izzy' also re-posted the five-word message that was featured as the caption in the video:

"You'll be missed my brother"

Check out the Instagram post below:

Check out a screenshot of the re-post on Adesanya's Instagram Stories below:

Screenshot of Israel Adesanya's re-post

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Israel Adesanya lost a friend and fellow MMA fighter in New Zealand in 2021

Back in May 2021, Israel Adesanya's teammate, Fau Vake, was involved in a street altercation. The amateur MMA fighter, who trained with Adesanya and other UFC stars like Dan Hooker at the City Kickboxing (CKB) gym, tragically lost his life in the incident wherein he and his brother were reportedly outnumbered and attacked. Adesanya later posted a tribute to Vake, tweeting:

"When ever we head into battle. Our fallen brothers ride with us. Thank you Fau Vake #Fauever"

Furthermore, in 2024, Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker notably took aim at one of the assaulters who was reportedly responsible for Fau Vake's death. They opposed his supposed hiring as the Tongan national rugby team's deputy manager. As such, Adesanya has often been hailed for utilizing his platform as a combat sports megastar to lend support to other fighters from New Zealand.

Presently, former two-time UFC middleweight champion Adesanya is scheduled to face Nassourdine Imavov in a highly-anticipated 185-pound bout. Their clash is booked to headline UFC's card in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 1, 2025.