Background

Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He trained taekwondo for a brief time in his youth but was removed by his mother after breaking his arm. At the age of 13, he moved to Rotorua, New Zealand^[4] and attended Rotorua Intermediate.^[5] He started training in kickboxing at age 18 after being inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak and went on to amass an amateur kickboxing record of 32-0 prior to moving and fighting in China.^[6][7]

At the age of 21, Adesanya relocated to Auckland, New Zealand and began training at City Kickboxing with other established fighters such as Kai Kara-France and Dan Hooker.^[8]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Adesanya made his professional debut in 2012. Fighting in Hong Kong, Australia and China over the next five-and-a-half years, he amassed a record of 11-0 with all wins coming via KO/TKO prior to being signed by the UFC.^[9]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In December 2017, it was announced that Adesanya had signed with the UFC. He made his debut against Rob Wilkinson on February 11, 2018 at UFC 221.^[10] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.^[11] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.^[12]

Adesanya’s next fight was scheduled on April 14, 2018 against Marvin Vettori at UFC on Fox 29.^[13] He won the fight via split decision.^[14]

Adesanya faced Brad Tavares on July 6, 2018 at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale.^[15] Adesanya won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.^[16] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.^[17]

Adesanya faced Derek Brunson on November 3, 2018 at UFC 230.^[18] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.^[19] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.^[20]

Adesanya faced Anderson Silva on February 10, 2019 at UFC 234.^[21] He won the fight via unanimous decision.^[22] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.^[23]

Adesanya is expected to face Kelvin Gastelum on April 13, 2019 at UFC 236.^[24]

Article source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Adesanya