Israel Adesanya, born on July 22, 1989, is a professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer. He holds both Nigerian and New Zealand citizenship. Adesanya has achieved multiple championships in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and boxing. He is currently competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former two-time UFC middleweight champion. Currently, he is ranked No.2 in the middleweight division of the promotion.
Moreover, the former champion is set to make his next outing on February 1, 2025, against Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia, UAE.
Israel Adesanya's place
Israel Adesanya resides in the vibrant city of Auckland, New Zealand.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya relocated to New Zealand at the age of 10 and has since embraced the country as his second home. Auckland, known as the largest city in New Zealand, is also its most populous city.
Adesanya is affiliated with City Kickboxing, a renowned gym located in Auckland. The gym has gained prominence for producing top-tier fighters, including current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Israel Adesanya’s early life
Israel Adesanya, born in Lagos, Nigeria, is the eldest of five children. His father, Oluwafemi, is an accountant, and his mother, Taiwo, is a nurse. Adesanya attended Chrisland School in Opebi, where he initially joined the Taekwondo after-school club but had to leave due to an injury. In 1999, his family moved to Ghana for a brief period before settling in Rotorua, New Zealand, when Adesanya was ten years old. He attended Rotorua Boys' High School.
Adesanya's high school years were marked by a lack of involvement in sports, but he found fascination in Japanese anime like Death Note and Naruto. Unfortunately, he experienced bullying during this period, which influenced his later choice to delve into martial arts.
After finishing high school, Adesanya enrolled at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design. At the age of 18, his passion for kickboxing ignited when he watched a Muay Thai movie called Ong-Bak. Just two years later, he made the daring decision to abandon his schooling and embark on a kickboxing career. Adesanya went on to compile an impressive amateur record of 32-0 before transitioning into professional kickboxing and competing in China.
At 21, Adesanya relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, where he started training in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing. He trained alongside notable UFC fighters such as Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and Alexander Volkanovski. Adesanya also received wrestling training from Andrei Păuleț, a Romanian New Zealander.
In December 2017, it was revealed that Adesanya had signed a contract with the UFC.
Related: Who are Israel Adesanyas parents?
*Last updated on January 28, 2025.
FAQs On Where does Israel Adesanya live?
A. Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
A. Adesanya trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, under the guidance of Eugene Bareman.
A. Israel Adesanya resides in Auckland, New Zealand.
A. Yes, Israel Adesanya holds both Nigerian and New Zealander citizenship.
A. Israel Adesanya spent a major portion of his kickboxing career in China, where he was known as 'The Black Dragon.'
