Israel Adesanya can already lay claim to being one of the greatest middleweights in MMA history. But before he has the chance to become a three-time champion at UFC 305, here are five of his defining moments in the Octagon.
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Israel Adesanya vs. Derek Brunson – UFC 230
In his short time fighting under the UFC banner, Israel Adesanya established himself as one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. But at UFC 230 against Derek Brunson, he proved just how effective he was against the elites in the middleweight division.
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From the start, Adesanya had his way with Brunson. Easily dismissing takedown attempts and picking him apart on the feet, the end was inevitable. As the first round was coming to a close, “The Last Stylebender” dropped his opponent several times and prompted the referee stoppage.
Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva – UFC 234
From the very beginning of his MMA career, Adesanya’s kickboxing skills and slick defense drew comparisons to legend and longtime champion Anderson Silva. At UFC 234, he would have the chance to compete against his idol in Melbourne, Australia.
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The two did their best representation of an old school kung fu flick in the Octagon. Adesanya walked away with the victory and a Fight of the Night bonus as Silva symbolically passed the torch to a man he inspired in his prime.
Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum – UFC 236
At UFC 236, Israel Adesanya would have his first chance at gold with an interim title on the line against TUF winner Kelvin Gastelum. The two would put on one of the best fights of all time in the co-main event.
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In what can only be described as a thrilling war of attrition, the two would trade brutal shots and narrowly survive several potential fight ending moments. However, in the last round, Adesanya would rally to take the lead and earn the decision win.
Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker – UFC 243
With a fresh interim title around his waist, Adesanya would return to Melbourne to face Robert Whittaker to unify the middleweight championship. In one of the more dominant successful title challenges in history, he would become a star that evening.
Adesanya looked nearly flawless against his fellow Oceanic standout. Whittaker was saved by the bell at the end of the first round only to be slept early in the second when he forced the action and ate a counter left hook.
Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira – UFC 287
After meeting three times across two different combat sports and coming up on the losing end, a lot was at stake for Israel Adesanya when he faced Alex Pereira at UFC 287. When granted an immediate rematch after losing his belt, “The Last Stylebender” did not waste the opportunity.
In an eerily similar start to their previous outings, the two accomplished kickboxers began their contrasting styles of physical chess to varying degrees of success. Late in the second round a brief game of possum would set Adesanya up for a picture counter combination with his back against the fence. His rival would fall lifelessly to the canvas and create one of the more popular memes in the sport.
