History of Israel Adesanya in Timeline

Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-New Zealander professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and boxer. He is widely known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former two-time Middleweight Champion. Before his MMA career, Adesanya competed in kickboxing, challenging for the Glory Middleweight Championship. As of February 2025, he is ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight division, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

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Full Timeline

August 2015: Return to MMA with TKO Victory

In August 2015, Israel Adesanya returned to MMA after a two-year hiatus and won his fight against Song Kenan by TKO.

August 2023: Arrested for drunk driving

In August 2023, Israel Adesanya was pulled over for drunk driving in Auckland, New Zealand, with a blood alcohol content of 87mg%, exceeding the legal limit of 50mg%.

January 2024: Guilty plea and sentencing for drunk driving

In January 2024, Israel Adesanya pleaded guilty to drunk driving. He was fined NZ$1,500 and given a six-month driving suspension, avoiding a prison sentence. He also posted videos from inside the court to his social media pages, which is illegal in New Zealand without the permission of the presiding judge and later released an apology.

August 2024: Controversial comments on 2024 Summer Olympics

In August 2024, Adesanya made false comments on Twitter regarding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's win at the 2024 Summer Olympics, which sparked controversy. He later apologized, acknowledging he was misinformed.

September 2024: Road rage incident and confrontation

In September 2024, Israel Adesanya was involved in a road rage incident in Auckland, New Zealand, resulting in a verbal confrontation and Adesanya spitting in the direction of the other individual. Adesanya alleges he was racially abused and is looking to press charges.

February 2025: UFC Middleweight Ranking

As of February 2025, Israel Adesanya is ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight division.

February 2025: UFC Hall of Fame Induction

In February 2025, it was announced on the UFC 312 broadcast that Israel Adesanya's bout with Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 in April 2019 will be inducted into the fight wing of the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame.