Israel Adesanya
24-5-0
Middleweight
About
'The Last Stylebender' — a former middleweight king and elite kickboxer-turned-MMA star known for surgical striking and showmanship.
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Israel 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya entered the UFC as a decorated kickboxer and quickly became the defining middleweight of his era, winning the title in 2019 and defending it repeatedly with surgical, rangy striking. His unification knockout of Robert Whittaker and his 2023 revenge knockout of Alex Pereira are the high points of a career built on technique, timing, and showmanship.
A polarizing figure, Adesanya is celebrated for his striking artistry and big personality but criticized when his patient counter-fighting turns tactical and low-output, and his trash talk divides fans. After a dominant peak — interrupted only by a brief, unsuccessful move to light heavyweight — a tougher recent stretch has raised questions, but his place among the great middleweight champions is secure.
Why fans love Adesanya
Sublime striking technique, big personality, memorable walkouts and callouts, and the highlight knockouts when he opens up. At his best he makes elite opponents look lost.
Why some fans hate Adesanya
His patient, counter-striking approach can produce tactical, low-output fights that some find dull, and his brash trash talk rubs part of the fanbase the wrong way. A recent run of losses has fueled debate about how much is left.
