Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has been officially inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, joining the Fight Wing for his iconic 2019 clash with Kelvin Gastelum. The ceremony took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Adesanya receiving one of the sport’s highest honours in front of a global audience.
Adesanya, 35, was recognised for his five-round war at UFC 236, a bout that has gone down in MMA history as one of the most electrifying title fights of all time. The Nigerian-born New Zealander delivered a performance that was both technically brilliant and emotionally raw, knocking Gastelum down four times—a record in a UFC title bout—en route to a unanimous decision win. The victory earned him the Interim Middleweight Championship and solidified his place among the greats.
The induction marks a major milestone in Adesanya’s journey from Lagos streets to international stardom. Speaking about the honour, Adesanya expressed surprise and gratitude. “I was surprised,” he said in an earlier interview. “I’m too young, but I wouldn’t fight it. If they want to honour me like that, I’ll take it. I’m very grateful.”
Adesanya reflected on the significance of the Gastelum fight, describing it as a moment that redefined his personal and professional boundaries. “He just brought the best out of me. That was one of the top three moments in my life, not just my fighting career. It pushed me to a level I didn’t know existed.”
Despite recent setbacks in the octagon, with three consecutive losses, Adesanya’s impact on the sport remains undeniable. Known for his precision striking, charismatic presence, and deep love for the fight game, Adesanya has helped elevate MMA’s global profile, especially in Africa and Oceania.
“This fight is never going to be something that anyone can take away from both of us,” he said. “That’s cemented forever. Legacy.”
