Nigerian Star Israel Adesanya Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame For Epic 2019 Clash.
Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has been immortalised in the UFC Hall of Fame today, as his thrilling 2019 interim middleweight title fight against Kelvin Gastelum is inducted into the prestigious Fight Wing. The ceremony, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during UFC International Fight Week, marks a monumental achievement for the former two-time UFC middleweight champion, celebrated as the first African fighter to receive this honour.
The announcement, first made during the UFC 312 broadcast in Sydney on 9 February 2025, recognised the unforgettable five-round battle at UFC 236 in Atlanta, Georgia, on 13 April 2019. Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” faced American fighter Kelvin Gastelum in a co-main event that UFC CEO Dana White described as “one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen in my life.” The bout, which saw Adesanya claim the interim middleweight title via unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46), was a back-and-forth war that earned ‘Fight of the Year’ honours from multiple media outlets, including MMA Junkie.
The fight showcased Adesanya’s resilience and skill, particularly in the fifth round, where he famously declared he was “prepared to die” in the Octagon. “That was the realest moment I’ve ever had in the cage,” Adesanya told The Mac Life. “I meant every single word of it, and I returned the favour by trying to kill him. And he’s a hard man to kill.” His three knockdowns in the final round set a UFC record for the most in a single fifth round of a title fight, cementing the bout’s place in history.
Adesanya, born in Lagos and raised in New Zealand, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. “I knew that was a special fight, a special moment in combat sports history,” he said in Sydney. “I even said on the camera, ‘Hey Kelvin, that was us’ because it takes two to tango. That man can salsa.” Gastelum, who shared a heartfelt FaceTime call with Adesanya after the announcement, also celebrated the honour, noting the surreal nature of the induction while still active in his career.
The 35-year-old’s journey to this accolade is remarkable. Starting his MMA career after training in kickboxing and Muay Thai, Adesanya debuted in the UFC in 2018, dominating Rob Wilkinson. His 2019 victory over Gastelum propelled him to stardom, leading to a knockout win against Robert Whittaker to unify the middleweight title at UFC 243. Adesanya’s reign included defences against top contenders like Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa, with seven title fight wins, second only to Anderson Silva in the middleweight division.
Despite recent setbacks, including losses to Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya remains a towering figure in MMA. His induction alongside Gastelum joins legendary fights like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar and Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen in the UFC Hall of Fame. “I’m grateful,” Adesanya told media at UFC 312. “It’s not just me; it’s me and him in that fight. What an opponent.”
The ceremony, streamed live on UFC Fight Pass, also honours other 2025 inductees, including Vitor Belfort and Craig Piligian. Proceeds from ticket sales support the UFC Foundation, highlighting the event’s broader impact. Fans across Nigeria and beyond have taken to social media to celebrate, with posts on X hailing Adesanya as “Omo Naija” and a global icon.
As Adesanya prepares for a potential return to the Octagon later this year, possibly against Caio Borralho, his legacy as a trailblazer for African fighters is secure. “This is history,” he said, reflecting on his journey. “Even when I lose, I’m making history.”
