What does Israel Adesanya's nickname 'The Last Stylebender' mean? UFC superstar's anime obession revealed

Israel Adesanya is a mixed martial artist with a distinctive style that draws heavily from his love of anime and manga. His signature poses and elaborate tattoos reflect his passion for the world of anime and manga culture, which he has enthusiastically embraced.

Israel Adesanya is an avid enthusiast of Japanese culture and anime, and he often describes himself as a "weeb." While many fans appreciate popular anime like Naruto and The Last Airbender, Adesanya's passion for the series goes much deeper. His nickname, 'The Last Stylebender,' is inextricably linked to The Last Airbender, as it was a major source of inspiration for his unique fighting style.

'Izzy' has also adopted the persona of a Jinchuriki, a character from Naruto who is possessed by a powerful demon. He aims to unlock the chakra power within himself, which he believes will help him become the greatest fighter in history. This deep connection to anime and manga has made Adesanya a unique and fascinating figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

Israel Adesanya's enthusiasm for anime has been conveyed via his body art, with tattoos representing famous characters and classic anime scenes. He has also incorporated anime-inspired techniques into his fighting style, further highlighting his passion for the genre.

Adesanya's deep appreciation for anime has earned him a reputation as an ambassador for fans of anime and manga. His unique approach to martial arts has helped bridge the gap between these two seemingly disparate worlds.

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Farewell to the octagon? Israel Adesanya drops retirement clue

Israel Adesanya, former UFC middleweight champion, has revealed his retirement plans from professional competition. In an exciting twist, Adesanya will be taking on current middleweight champion Alex Pereira in a highly-anticipated headlining bout at UFC 287 on April 8, which marks the promotion's grand return to Miami, Florida.

After suffering a loss to Pereira in their last encounter at UFC 281 in November 2022, Adesanya is looking to redeem himself and cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Fans are eagerly anticipating this epic showdown, which is sure to be one of the most memorable fights in recent memory.

During a conversation with the media backstage at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, Adesanya hinted at his intention to retire from professional combat. He stated:

"I’ve been in the UFC five years, right? If I’m being honest, I’m not gonna be here in five years."

'Izzy' further added:

"I love this sh*t and I’m f*cking great at it but I never attach myself to this and I’m gonna leave on top. So yeah, that’s the best way I feel like you should leave. But again, I’ve been here five years in the UFC, (snaps fingers) it went like that. We’ll see how long I’m here for but I don’t think it’s gonna be five years."

'The Last Stylebender' wants to retire at the top of the sport, comparable to former UFC champions Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Watch the entire conversation below: