Israel Adesanya isn’t just a knockout artist, he’s a man of many words. Literally. The former UFC middleweight champ has spent years running his mouth, trash-talking his way through the fight world like it’s his second job. But have you ever stopped to wonder how many languages he can do it in? “The Last Stylebender” isn’t just fluent in delivering punches, he’s got a pretty impressive arsenal of words in multiple languages.

Turns out, Adesanya’s ability to entertain talking smack isn’t limited to a particular audience. He’s got a knack for connecting with fans across the globe, whether they’re cheering for him or rolling their eyes. His words hit hard, both inside and outside the octagon, proving he’s not just about the fight game. So, let’s break down just how many languages he can use to make you cringe or laugh (or both).

Israel Adesanya’s languages

If you thought Israel Adesanya only spoke English, think again. Sure, he can drop a cold one-liner in perfect English at press conferences, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The man is fluent in Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s major languages, and Nigerian Pidgin, a street-smart, no-nonsense mix of English and local dialects. And before you ask, yes, Nigerian Pidgin counts. It’s what gives sentences like, “No be today” or “Wetin dey happen?” that extra flavor. He’s fluent in it.

Growing up in Lagos, Yoruba was his first language, but moving to New Zealand in 2001 forced him to sharpen his English skills real quick. Because let’s be honest, being the only Nigerian kid in a sea of Kiwis was already tough. Not understanding the jokes? Even worse. So, like a true champion, he adapted.

But here’s the thing, Adesanya never let go of his roots. Whether he’s shutting down an opponent, hyping up a fight, or just flexing his cultural pride, you’ll often hear him switch between languages effortlessly. English for business, Yoruba for the soul, and Pidgin for when things get real. Now, let’s talk about the times Adesanya really let loose in Yoruba. Because each time, it felt like a mic-drop moment.

When Adesanya spoke the Yoruba language

It all started after UFC veteran Brad Tavares learned the hard way that Adesanya wasn’t just hype. It was Izzy’s third UFC fight back in 2018, and after cruising to a dominant decision win, he took the mic and sent a message straight from Lagos to the world. In fluent Yoruba. It was the first time UFC fans saw a glimpse of the Nigerian fire burning beneath all the flashy fight IQ.

Two years later in 2020, with gold around his waist, Adesanya faced Paulo Costa in what was supposed to be a competitive title fight. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. After styling on Costa for two rounds, Izzy put him out of his misery with a brutal TKO. And as the dust settled, he made sure the message was crystal clear, this time, once again in Yoruba, “Mr. Stubborn, here I am! Take a look at my chest. I can never be defeated!” Imagine getting knocked out and then hearing your opponent talk to an entire continent while standing over you. Tough night for Costa.

If Costa’s loss hurt, Alex Pereira’s had to sting even more. After ‘Poatan’ dethroned him in 2022, Adesanya had one mission, take his belt back. And boy, did he deliver. But before the fight, Izzy had already set the tone. In the final faceoff, he spoke in Yoruba once again. A moment that flew over most fans’ heads, until he ended with the one part we all understood, “Tomorrow, it’s one and done.”

Then, at UFC 287, Izzy knocked Pereira out cold and wasted no time reclaiming his spot at the top. No post-fight Yoruba this time, his fists did all the talking. But by now, it wasn’t just a pre-fight or post-fight habit, it was a statement. Every time he spoke Yoruba, it marked a defining moment in his career. Now, with UFC Fight Night just two days away and a high-stakes fight against Nassourdine Imavov on the horizon, will we hear Yoruba again? If Adesanya gets back to his winning ways, history says yes. And if that happens, you just know it’ll be worth listening to.

Do you think Izzy always finds a way to make himself heard, whether in English, Yoruba, or Pidgin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!