Who Is Israel Adesanya? Age, Biography and Wiki
Israel Adesanya, born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a renowned mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion known for his striking prowess and dynamic fighting style. In 2025, at the age of 35, he continues to be a significant figure in the world of mixed martial arts, captivating fans with his performances inside the octagon. He moved to New Zealand at a young age, where he honed his skills in kickboxing and later transitioned to MMA, making his professional debut in 2012. Adesanya quickly made a name for himself, and in 2019, he captured the UFC Middleweight title, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's elite fighters.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1989 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | New Zealand |
Popularity
Israel Adesanya's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Israel Adesanya stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighs in at 185 pounds (84 kg), making him an imposing figure in the octagon. His remarkable reach of 80 inches (203 cm) gives him an advantage and allows him to dictate the pace of his fights. Known for his athletic physique, his fitness regimen and training regimen complement his natural fighting abilities.
Moving up in weight, Adesanya participated in the 2015 The Heavyweights III, as well. He defeated Nase Foai by TKO in the quarterfinal and Dan Roberts by KO in the semifinal, before facing Jamie Eades in the finals. The two had previously met in the final of the 2014 Cruiserweight tournament. Adesanya won the tournament final by unanimous decision.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Adesanya is known for being relatively private about his personal life, particularly concerning relationships. However, reports indicate that he is dating popular New Zealand model and social media influencer Josefine K., who has been spotted at several of his fights and events, supporting him in his professional journey. Adesanya has expressed that he values a supportive partner, which has played a crucial role as he balances his fighting career with personal life.
His father, Oluwafemi, is an accountant and his mother, Taiwo, is a nurse. He is ethnic Yoruba. Adesanya attended Chrisland School, Opebi, and enrolled in its Taekwondo after-school club until he was removed by his mother due to an injury.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Israel Adesanya's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His impressive earnings come from a combination of fight purses, pay-per-view sales, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. Adesanya has collaborated with various brands, leveraging his fame to establish himself as a brand ambassador for prominent companies. His earnings continue to grow as he competes and remains active in the sport.
Adesanya faced Jared Cannonier on 2 July 2022, at UFC 276. He won the bout via unanimous decision. This win earn him the Crypto.com Fan Bonus of the Night first place award which paid in bitcoin of US$30,000.
Career, Business and Investments
Israel Adesanya’s career has been marked by success in the UFC, with numerous title defenses and high-profile fights against top fighters across the globe. Aside from his fighting career, Adesanya has made strategic investments in various business ventures, including fitness brands and digital marketing enterprises. He is also active in promoting martial arts and wellness, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community through initiatives aimed at empowering and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Following high school graduation, Adesanya enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui. At the age of 18, he started training in kickboxing, after being inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak.
Two years later Adesanya made the decision to cease his studies in pursuit of a career in kickboxing and went on to amass an amateur record of 32–1 before turning professional and fighting in China.
At the age of 21, Adesanya moved to Auckland, New Zealand, and began training in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing, with future UFC fighters such as Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France and former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. He trains in wrestling under the Romanian New Zealander Andrei Păuleț.
Social Network
Adesanya is highly active on social media, with significant followings on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His social media handles allow him to connect with fans, share training updates, and offer insights into his lifestyle outside of fighting. He uses these platforms to promote his brand, engage with followers, and create awareness about various causes he advocates for.
In February 2020, Adesanya came under fire for comments made at the UFC 248 pre-fight press conference, where he said he would make opponent Yoel Romero "crumble like the Twin Towers", referencing the September 11 attacks.
The following day, Adesanya made an apology on his Instagram page, saying "I was simply rambling and my brain worked faster than my mouth in a moment to choose the wrong euphemism. You speak on the mic enough times and you're bound to miss the mark with some bars. I did on this one and for that I'm sorry.
I'll be more careful in future with my words."
Education
Israel Adesanya attended the University of Auckland, where he studied computer design, but his passion for combat sports led him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts instead. His dedication to education and constant learning continued throughout his career, as he not only prioritizes physical training but also enhances his fight strategies and knowledge of the sport.
