Israel Adesanya is a leading mixed martial artist currently active on the professional circuit. Having established himself as a top competitor in the sport, Israel Adesanya also had a dream run as a kickboxer. He ventured into professional mixed martial arts in 2012 and witnessed a meteoric rise right from the onset of his career. After compiling a clinical record of 11 wins without suffering a loss he stormed his way into the premiere professional mixed martial arts promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2018 at UFC 221 against Rob Wilkinson in a successful outing. Adesanya defeated Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 to take home the UFC interim middleweight championship. He unified the title by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243.
Israel Adesanya's first championship reign was ended by his long-time foe Alex Pereira at UFC 281. He reclaimed his title by defeating Pereira at UFC 287 marking his second reign as the champion of the division. Adesanya dropped his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in a major upset when Strickland outclassed him and defeated him by a unanimous decision to win the championship. On his return after a long break, Adesanya faced reigning champion Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title. However, the Nigerian-born fighter lost the bout via submission.
Israel Adesanya’s Losses
Israel Adesanya has suffered four losses in his career as a professional mixed martial artist as of January 2025.
Jan Blachowicz vs. Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya went up a weight class to the light heavyweight division to challenge the then UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title. Adesanya entered the octagon as an undefeated fighter and was defeated by Blachowicz by a unanimous decision thus handing him his first professional loss in mixed martial arts.
Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya squared off against his old rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281. He entered the bout as the champion of the middleweight division. Pereira knocked him out in the fifth round took away his middleweight title and handed Adesanya his second professional loss.
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya called Sean Strickland for his title defense at UFC 293 after his original opponent for the fight, Dricus du Plessis withdrew due to an injury. Strickland shocked Adesanya by outclassing him throughout the fight and secured a unanimous decision win becoming the new middleweight champion. The loss as of August 14, 2024, is Israel Adesanya’s third professional loss.
Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus du Plessis
In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 305 on August 18, 2024, Dricus du Plessis defended his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya. Du Plessis secured a fourth-round submission victory, marking Adesanya's fourth professional loss.
Also Read: What Is Israel Adesanya's Fighting Style?
FAQs on Israel Adesanya
A. He has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and four losses as of January 2025.
A. As of January 2025, Israel Adesanya has been defeated by Jan Blachowicz, Alex Pereira, Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
A. He will return to the octagon for his upcoming fight at UFC Fight Night: Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2025.
A. He is 6 feet and 4 inches tall.
A. As of January 2025, Adesanya has reigned two times as the UFC middleweight champion.
