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When life offers you limes, what do you do with it? In the case of Israel Adesanya, he made lemonades with his. Rather than hold on to his bad experiences, it fueled his passion for his career.
Israel Adesanya, popularly known as “The Last Stylebender, “derived from Avatar: The Last Airbender, has carved out an exceptional career in the world of combat sports, fueled by the adversities he faced as a young immigrant in New Zealand.
Early Life and Education
Adesanya’s early years were far from easy, being born in Lagos, Nigeria and early exposure to martial arts. He attended Chrisland School, Opebi, in Lagos, where he joined the Taekwondo after-school club. This sparked his initial interest in martial arts. However, a minor injury during training led his protective mother to withdraw him from the club, temporarily putting his martial arts ambitions on hold.
In 1999, Adesanya’s family relocated to Ghana, where they lived for ten months. Their move to Ghana was part of his parents’ plan to provide their children with a stable and well-rounded education. They eventually settled in Rotorua, New Zealand, when Adesanya was 10 years old, seeking high-quality educational opportunities for their children.
Moving to New Zealand was not easy for Israel Adesanya. Adjusting to a new culture, he attended Rotorua Boys’ High School, where he initially struggled to fit in. Unlike many of his peers, he wasn’t drawn to mainstream sports but developed a deep love for Japanese anime, especially series like Death Note and Naruto. The imaginative worlds of these shows played a crucial role in shaping his unique personality, inspiring his later approach to martial arts.
From Bullying to the Octagon
Being a young boy who wasn’t drawn to things that resonated with boys his age, adjusting to a new environment was a struggle. He became a target of bullying in his school. This mistreatment had a great impact on him, igniting a desire to stand up for himself and forge a different path.
Channeling Adversity into a Career
Adesanya’s decision to take up martial arts was directly linked to the challenges he faced at a younger age. The mistreatment he endured led him to pursue a career in combat sports, where he could express his individuality, strength, and creativity. With a background in Taekwondo from his early years in Nigeria, he expanded his skills to kickboxing and eventually transitioned to professional boxing.
In other words, his entry into the world of combat sports began with kickboxing. He went on to master multiple disciplines, including Muay Thai, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His fighting style became as electrifying as his interests, blending precise striking with tactical movement, something he attributes partly to the fluid and dramatic combat seen in anime.
The Professional Leap: From Dance Floors to Boxing Rings
Interestingly, before fully committing to combat sports, Adesanya showcased his creative flair through dance competitions across New Zealand. Dance was an early passion, providing him with an opportunity for self-expression. This background became a defining feature of his persona.
Adesanya’s formal entry into professional boxing was in November 2014, when he squared off against two-time Australian champion Daniel Ammann.
Although boxing was his focus at the time, his reputation as a dynamic and dangerous striker began to grow in the world of kickboxing, where he competed at a high level, even challenging for the Glory Middleweight Championship title.
The Rise of Bullied Youngster
Adesanya’s success in kickboxing and boxing paved the way for his transition to mixed martial arts (MMA). He signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2018, where his career skyrocketed. Known for his unique style, strikes and incredible precision, Adesanya quickly became a fan favorite.
His UFC journey is decorated with milestones as he won the UFC Interim Middleweight Championship in 2019 after a stunning fight with Kelvin Gastelum. Later that year, he unified the title by defeating Robert Whittaker, becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion. He successfully defended his title multiple times, maintaining his status as one of the greatest middleweights of all time. As of January 23, 2024, Adesanya is ranked number 2 in the UFC middleweight rankings and as of October 29, 2024, he holds the number 15 spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
A Stylebender Beyond the Cage
In the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Israel Adesanya became known not only for his technical prowess but also for his distinct flair as a choreographer.
His walkout performance at UFC 243 showcased his ability to blend showmanship with skill, earning him a global fan base
The most amazing thing about him is the fact that his impact extends far beyond his achievements in the octagon. His influence is also seen in his outreach to younger generations, particularly those facing bullying and adversity. He often shares his own experiences to inspire others to turn their struggles into motivation.
His story resonates with many as a powerful narrative of grit and resilience
A Legacy of Resilience
Adesanya’s rise in the UFC has not been without setbacks and scandals, but his resilience in the face of adversity has remained constant. Overcoming personal challenges, including losses in the octagon, he continues to be a role model for young athletes, particularly those who have faced bullying or discrimination.
His journey from being bullied in high school to becoming a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion is a reminder to anyone currently facing challenges that it is possible to channel negative experiences into a force for self-improvement and success.
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