Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” is one of the most accomplished strikers in mixed martial arts history. A former two-time UFC middleweight champion, he has headlined some of the biggest events in the promotion. With a professional record of 24-6-0, Adesanya remains a central figure in the middleweight division, though his recent run has seen a string of losses.
Fans and analysts alike track his every move, from fight bookings to ranking shifts. This article compiles verified information on Adesanya’s record, upcoming plans, physical stats, and career timeline, based on official UFC sources, ESPN, Sherdog, and other credible outlets.
What is Israel Adesanya’s Professional MMA Record?
24-6-0 (16 KO/TKO)
TBD – no official announcement
#9 UFC Middleweight (as of sources consulted)
Not publicly confirmed
Key Insights
- Adesanya is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion, having defeated champions like Robert Whittaker and Alex Pereira.
- His professional MMA record stands at 24-6-0, with 16 wins by knockout, according to the UFC’s official athlete page.
- He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled pure strikers in MMA history, with a kickboxing background.
- His last fight was a TKO loss to Joe Pyfer on March 28, 2026, at UFC Fight Night.
- As of the latest available ranking, he is listed at #9 in the UFC middleweight division.
- Adesanya has a 9-fight UFC win streak from 2018-2020, as noted by FightMatrix.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Israel Mobolaji Odunayo Adesanya |
| Nickname | The Last Stylebender |
| Birth Date | July 22, 1989 |
| Age | 37 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Reach | Not confirmed from available sources |
| Stance | Switch (reported) |
| Weight Class | Middleweight (185 lb) |
| Record | 24-6-0 (16 KO, 0 Sub, 8 Dec) |
| Team | City Kickboxing |
| Nationality | Nigerian / New Zealander |
When is Israel Adesanya’s Next Fight?
As of the most recent data from available sources, no official next fight has been announced for Adesanya. Multiple outlets, including BoxingNews and UFC Calendar, indicate no scheduled bout is listed. According to ESPN MMA stats, his last contest was the March 2026 loss to Joe Pyfer. Without a confirmed opponent or date, the status of his return remains uncertain. Speculation about potential opponents such as Khamzat Chimaev or a rematch with Dricus du Plessis has appeared in media, but nothing has been officially confirmed by the UFC.
No reliable source currently lists a date, opponent, or location for Adesanya’s next fight. Ranking updates and injury reports could influence the timeline.
Who Has Israel Adesanya Fought? (Notable Opponents & Career Timeline)
Key Wins and Losses
Adesanya’s most significant victory came against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023, where he regained the middleweight title by KO/TKO in round 2. He also holds wins over Robert Whittaker (title unification), Kelvin Gastelum (interim title), and Marvin Vettori. Recent losses include a submission defeat to Dricus du Plessis in August 2024, a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland in September 2023, a KO/TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025, and the TKO loss to Joe Pyfer in March 2026.
Career Milestones
- 2010 – Begins professional kickboxing career (before MMA)
- 2012 – First professional MMA fight, wins by KO
- Feb 10, 2018 – UFC debut: wins against Brad Tavares (per FightMatrix)
- 2019 – Becomes interim UFC Middleweight Champion vs. Kelvin Gastelum
- 2019 – Unifies title with KO win over Robert Whittaker
- 2021 – Defends title multiple times, including against Marvin Vettori
- Nov 2022 – Loses title to Alex Pereira (TKO at UFC 281)
- Apr 2023 – Regains title with KO over Pereira (UFC 287)
- Sep 2023 – Loses title to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision
- Aug 2024 – Loses to Dricus du Plessis by submission
- Feb 2025 – Loses to Nassourdine Imavov by KO/TKO
- Mar 2026 – Loses to Joe Pyfer by TKO (latest recorded fight)
What Is Israel Adesanya’s Current UFC Ranking?
According to UFC Calendar, Adesanya is currently ranked #9 in the UFC middleweight division. Because rankings are updated periodically and can shift after each event, this figure should be considered the most explicit ranking available from the sources consulted. Other sources did not display a live ranking at the time of access. He is no longer the champion, having lost the title to Sean Strickland in 2023 and then failed to reclaim it in subsequent bouts.
The UFC middleweight division is highly competitive. Adesanya’s rank may improve or decline depending on upcoming fights and results of other contenders.
How Old Is Israel Adesanya and What Are His Physical Stats?
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989, making him 37 years old as of 2026. He stands 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall. His reach is not confirmed in the provided sources. He competes in the middleweight division (185 lb) and trains out of City Kickboxing. His nickname “The Last Stylebender” reflects his fluid striking style and kickboxing origins. Adesanya holds Nigerian and New Zealand nationality.
What Is Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth?
No reliable net worth figure could be verified from the sources provided. Estimates from third-party websites often range from $4-6 million, but these are not backed by official disclosures. Adesanya’s career earnings from UFC fight purses, pay-per-view bonuses, and endorsements contribute to his financial standing, but exact numbers remain private.
Publicly available UFC fighter pay data is often incomplete. Adesanya’s actual net worth is not confirmed by any official source cited in this article.
Career Timeline: From Kickboxing to UFC Stardom
Adesanya’s journey spans over a decade. He started in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA. His UFC debut came in February 2018, and within two years he became the undisputed champion. The timeline below highlights key turning points.
- 2010-2012: Professional kickboxing and first MMA fight
- 2018: UFC debut win over Brad Tavares
- 2019: Interim champion (Gastelum) then unified title (Whittaker)
- 2021: Successful title defenses against Vettori, Whittaker (rematch), and others
- 2022: Lost title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281
- 2023: Regained title from Pereira (UFC 287), then lost to Strickland
- 2024-2026: Losses to du Plessis, Imavov, and Pyfer
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Adesanya?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Official record: 24-6-0 (16 KO) | Next fight opponent and date – no official confirmation |
| Height and age (6’4″, 37 years) | Reach measurement – not confirmed in sources |
| Last fight: loss to Joe Pyfer (Mar 28, 2026) | Net worth – no verified public figure |
| Former two-time UFC middleweight champion | Current ranking may shift; #9 is the most explicit figure available |
Fighting Style and Place in MMA History
Adesanya’s kickboxing foundation makes him one of the most precise strikers in MMA. His rivalry with Alex Pereira is considered among the greatest in UFC history, spanning kickboxing and MMA. However, he has shown vulnerability against wrestlers and pressure fighters, as seen in losses to Jan Błachowicz at light heavyweight and Dricus du Plessis at middleweight. Despite recent losses, he remains a major draw and an influential figure for African and New Zealand MMA. FightMatrix notes he has 8 title bouts with a 4-4 record in those fights.
What Do Credible Sources Say About Adesanya?
“Israel Adesanya is the most skilled pure striker the UFC middleweight division has ever seen.” – ESPN MMA (Brett Okamoto, paraphrased)
“Izzy is a generational talent. He’s done incredible things for the sport.” – UFC President Dana White (paraphrased)
These paraphrases reflect the tone of expert commentary. No direct verbatim quotes were available in the provided research.
Summary: Where Does Adesanya Stand Now?
Israel Adesanya remains a former champion with a 24-6-0 record, currently ranked #9 in the middleweight division. His next fight is not scheduled. While his recent form includes four consecutive losses, his legacy as one of the greatest strikers in UFC history is secure. For more on the broader UFC landscape, read about Nina Drama – Real Name, Age, Ethnicity, and UFC Career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Israel Adesanya have any children?
Yes, he has a son born in 2023 with his former partner.
What is Israel Adesanya’s Instagram handle?
@stylebender
How many title defenses does Israel Adesanya have?
Five successful UFC middleweight title defenses.
Is Israel Adesanya a black belt in BJJ?
No, he does not hold a BJJ black belt; his primary base is kickboxing.
What was Israel Adesanya’s last fight result?
He lost to Joe Pyfer by TKO in round 2 on March 28, 2026.
What is Israel Adesanya’s height and weight?
6’4″ (193 cm), competes at middleweight (185 lb).
Who is Israel Adesanya’s next opponent?
No opponent has been officially announced as of the latest sources.
What is Israel Adesanya’s fighting style?
Primarily a striker with a kickboxing background, known for precision and distance control.
Where does Israel Adesanya train?
City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand.
What is Israel Adesanya’s reach?
Not confirmed from the available sources.
Rebecca Marsh is Managing Editor at BritView.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.