Israel Adesanya's Best Moments

Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa

UFC 253 – September 27, 2020

Before Adesanya would usher in a new era of middleweights, the 185-pound division was once ruled dominantly by Anderson Silva for nearly seven years. Silva’s legend speaks for itself, as he was also a key inspiration for Adesanya growing up. The showmanship and confidence exhibited by both athletes is a big reason why the two are so beloved by fans and in a clash between eras, Adesanya and Silva would go the distance at UFC 234, with Adesanya winning the bout by unanimous decision.

(Watch Adesanya’s TKO Win on UFC Fight Pass)

For his second title defense as UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya took on top contender Paulo Costa. The bad blood between the New Zealander and Brazilian made for some heated moments and trash talk in the lead-up to the fight, but Adesanya’s exemplary striking was on full display that night, as he continuously blasted kicks to Costa’s lead leg in the first round. In the second round, Adesanya’s hands would find their target, dropping Costa in the second round with a clean left hook.

Israel Adesanya vs Anderson Silva

UFC 234 – February 10, 2019

Watch The Legendary Fight Between Adesanya and Silva on UFC Fight Pass

Before Adesanya would usher in a new era of middleweights, the 185-pound division was once ruled dominantly by Anderson Silva for nearly seven years. Silva’s legend speaks for itself, as he was also a key inspiration for Adesanya growing up. The showmanship and confidence exhibited by both athletes is a big reason why the two are so beloved by fans and in a clash between eras, Adesanya and Silva would go the distance at UFC 234, with Adesanya winning the bout by unanimous decision.

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Israel Adesanya vs Kelvin Gastelum

UFC 236 – April 13, 2019

For his sixth bout inside the Octagon, Adesanya would finally be fighting for UFC gold. Shortly after his outing with Anderson Silva, it was announced that the Nigeria native would compete against Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC middleweight championship in Atlanta, Georgia at UFC 236. In what many deemed to be the Fight of the Year, Adesanya would get his hand raised at the end of the 25-minute bout. 

Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker

UFC 243 – October 6, 2019

(Watch Adesanya’s Crowning Moment At UFC 243 On UFC Fight Pass)

After being in the UFC for just over a year, Adesanya had finally earned a moment to achieve greatness. At UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia, Adesanya would take on UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. The highly anticipated championship bout broke the attendance record for a UFC event with a total of 57, 127 people on hand. At the end of the first round, Adesanya dropped the champion when the round-ending horn blared. In the second round, Adesanya finished the job, knocking out his foe to become the king of the middleweights.

Pre-Order UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker 2

Don't miss a single round of UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday, February 5 on ESPN+. Early Prelims begin at 6pm ET/3pm PT, followed by the Prelims beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT. The main card begins at 10pm ET/7pm PT.