Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya, popularly known as “The Last Stylebender,” has been officially inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, marking a historic milestone in his illustrious career and for African representation in global combat sports.
The emotional ceremony took place in Las Vegas during the UFC’s International Fight Week, where the former middleweight champion was honoured for his exceptional contributions to the sport and for seizing his opportunity to win UFC gold at the first attempt in 2019.
Adesanya, who is widely celebrated for his striking precision, flamboyant style, and charisma both in and out of the octagon, joins an elite list of legends whose names are etched in the history of the UFC.
His induction serves not only as recognition of his accomplishments—including multiple title defenses and iconic bouts—but also of his impact as a cultural icon and inspiration to aspiring fighters, particularly across Africa.
“From Lagos to Auckland to Las Vegas—it’s been an incredible journey,” Adesanya said during his acceptance speech. “This moment is for everyone who ever believed that a kid from Nigeria could take over the world.”
The 35-year-old burst onto the UFC scene in 2018 and quickly rose to stardom, capturing the interim middleweight title in 2019 before unifying it with a dominant performance over Robert Whittaker. His reign saw successful defenses against top contenders and helped elevate the UFC’s presence in Africa.
Adesanya’s induction comes at a time when African fighters are gaining significant momentum globally, with the likes of Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou also achieving championship status in recent years.
For many Nigerian fans and fight enthusiasts around the world, Adesanya’s Hall of Fame entry is a proud reminder of how far African fighters have come in a sport once dominated by athletes from more traditional MMA strongholds.
As the UFC continues to grow its brand on the African continent, Adesanya’s legacy is likely to serve as a cornerstone and catalyst for future generations of fighters.