What is Israel Adesanya's Net Worth?
Israel Adesanya, a renowned New Zealand mixed martial artist and kickboxer, has a net worth of $4 million. Adesanya has clinched multiple championship titles and is known for his striking skills. He claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2019.
Early Life
Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Israel Adesanya is the eldest of five children. His father, Oluwafemi, is an accountant, and his mother, Taiwo, is a nurse. He attended Chrisland School, Opebi, where he took Taekwondo classes. In 1999, the family moved to Ghana for ten months before relocating to Rotorua, New Zealand. Adesanya attended Rotorua Boys' High School and later pursued computer design at the Universal College of Learning but dropped out to focus on kickboxing.
Career Beginnings in Kickboxing
Adesanya started his kickboxing career with an impeccable 32-0 record. He turned professional and won his first seven fights. In 2016, he triumphed in the Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament by defeating Robert Thomas and Yousri Belgaroui. Although he lost to Jason Wilnis for the Glory Middleweight Championship, Adesanya continued to shine in kickboxing until his final fight against Alex Pereira.
(Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Adesanya debuted in professional MMA in 2012 with a TKO victory over James Griffiths. After a two-year hiatus and several wins, he signed with the UFC in 2018, defeating Rob Wilkinson. He continued his winning streak against fighters like Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, and Anderson Silva.
In April 2019, Adesanya defeated Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. He later unified the title by beating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243. Adesanya defended his title successfully against Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa. Despite a loss to Jan Błachowicz for the Light Heavyweight Championship, he retained his Middleweight title by defeating Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker.
Boxing Career
Adesanya ventured into professional boxing in 2014 and participated in the Super 8 Boxing Tournament, although he lost to Daniel Ammann. He won subsequent tournaments, defeating fighters like Asher Derbyshire, Lance Bryant, Brian Minto, and Zane Hopman to defend his cruiserweight title.
Personal Life and Endorsements
Adesanya has a passion for dancing and anime, with his nickname "Last Stylebender" referencing "Avatar: The Last Airbender." In 2020, he became the first MMA athlete to sign a sponsorship deal with Puma and later served as an ambassador for Stake.com in 2021.
