Israel Adesanya: MMA Record, Height, Ethnicity & Latest News

Record: 24-6-0 ·
Height: 6’4″ (193 cm) ·
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg) ·
Reach: 80″ (203 cm) ·
Nickname: The Last Stylebender ·
Team: City Kickboxing

Nine key facts, one pattern: Adesanya’s physical gifts (height, reach, finishing power) are matched by a career that has now entered a phase of hard reset.

What has happened to Israel Adesanya?

Adesanya’s recent trajectory has been defined by a series of high-profile losses. After losing the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision at UFC 293 on September 10, 2023 (ESPN), he attempted to reclaim it against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 18, 2024, but was submitted via face crank in the fourth round (Wikipedia).

Where is Israel Adesanya now?

• Training at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand.
• Has visited family in Nigeria and posted social media content.
• After the Pyfer loss, no next opponent has been announced. In early 2025, he said he is not “washed” but does not expect another title shot (MMA Junkie).

The practical consequence is that Adesanya’s remaining fights will be chosen for motivation, not rankings.

How many times has Adesanya lost?

As of mid-2026, Israel Adesanya’s official MMA record stands at 24 wins and 6 losses (UFC Stats). His six losses break down as follows:

• Alex Pereira – TKO in round 5 at UFC 281 (Nov 2022) (Verdict MMA)
• Jan Blachowicz – decision at UFC 259 (Mar 2021)
• Sean Strickland – decision at UFC 293 (Sept 10, 2023)
• Dricus du Plessis – submission (face crank) at UFC 305 (Aug 18, 2024)
• Nassourdine Imavov – KO/TKO (punch) at 0:30 of round 2 on Feb 1, 2025 (CBS Sports)
• Joe Pyfer – TKO (punches) at 4:18 of round 2 on Mar 28, 2026 (TrueContender)

The implication is that opponents no longer need to out-strike Adesanya to beat him; they just need to avoid his best moments.

Is Israel Adesanya really 6 4?

Yes. The UFC officially lists Adesanya’s height at 6’4″ (193 cm) with a reach of 80″ (203 cm) (UFC.com). He fights in the middleweight division at 185 lbs (84 kg). Among active middleweights, his reach is a significant advantage — it ranks in the top tier of the division.

Comparison to other middleweights

Adesanya’s height and reach metrics put him in the 95th percentile for UFC middleweights. For context, former champion Robert Whittaker has a 73.5″ reach, and Sean Strickland has a 76″ reach. That extra length has been a key component of Adesanya’s striking style. For another fighter-profile breakdown, see Justin Gaethje: Ethnicity, Record, Next Fight, UFC Legacy.

The catch: those long levers still make him dangerous at distance, but they create leverage problems in close quarters.

What is Israel Adesanya’s ethnicity?

Adesanya is of Nigerian Yoruba ethnicity. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 22, 1989, to a doctor father and a nurse mother (Wikipedia). His family moved to New Zealand when he was 10, settling in Rotorua. He holds dual Nigerian-New Zealander nationality.

Did Izzy Adesanya grow up rich?

• His father was a medical doctor, his mother a nurse — a middle-class upbringing by Nigerian standards.
• He has said his family was comfortable but not wealthy; he worked odd jobs before breaking into professional fighting.

Why is Adesanya called Israel?

Adesanya has explained in interviews that his full name includes “Israel” as a biblical name given by his parents. His full name is: Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya.

That bicultural identity is part of why his appeal extends beyond fight fans in both Nigeria and New Zealand.

Does Adesanya support Palestine?

Adesanya has posted pro-Palestine content on his social media accounts, drawing both support and criticism. In a sport where political statements are rare, his stance has become a notable part of his public persona. The exact extent of his involvement remains unclear, but the posts have been documented by multiple outlets.

What made Israel Adesanya cry?

• After losing the title to Alex Pereira in November 2022, he broke down in the Octagon.
• During a visit to a children’s hospital in Nigeria, he was visibly emotional.

Who is Israel Adesanya’s ex-girlfriend?

Reportedly, Adesanya dated a fitness model, but the relationship has not been confirmed by official sources. This falls into the “unclear” category.

The unresolved point is whether he will ever explain how his name and his politics intersect.

The pattern is clear: Adesanya’s career has shifted from championship dominance to a phase of redefinition. He is no longer the young prodigy; he is a 36-year-old veteran with a 1-5 record in his last six fights. For fans expecting a title run, the implication is that Adesanya’s remaining fights will be about legacy, not gold. For the fighter himself, the choice is to fight freely — or risk further damage to his reputation.

For Israel Adesanya, the next chapter is not about reclaiming a belt — it’s about defining a legacy on his own terms. The question is whether he can find a fight that allows him to exit the Octagon on a win, or whether the losses will continue to mount.