Israel Adesanya is one of the biggest stars in MMA. His striking skills and unmatched speed have made him a legend inside the Octagon. Although he took a break after losing his crown to Sean Strickland at UFC 294, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was one of the most active champions in the UFC. He even managed to do what few could—defeat Alex Pereira at middleweight.

But his rise to the top wasn’t just about skill and talent. Behind him stood a family that believed in his dreams. His parents played a crucial role in shaping the fighter we see today. But who are they, and how did their influence shape his journey?

Profession of Israel Adesanya’s family

Unlike many fighters who grew up in hardship, Israel Adesanya was born into a well-off Nigerian family. He was the eldest of five siblings, growing up in Lagos with a comfortable life. He even had house servants who helped him with daily tasks—something fans later trolled him for. But did that faze him? Not one bit.

From an early age, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was drawn to combat sports. He started with Taekwondo, but his mother pulled him out after he suffered an injury. Even then, the fire inside him never dimmed. In 1999, his family moved to Ghana for ten months before settling in New Zealand a while later, where they sought better educational opportunities for their children.

His father, Oluwafemi Adesanya, worked as an accountant, a profession that demanded precision and discipline. His mother, Taiwo Adesanya, was a nurse—a career built on care and resilience. With such role models, it’s no surprise that their son developed the mental toughness and work ethic needed to succeed.

Yet, school never truly captured his interest. He completed high school but had no plans to pursue academics as a career. Instead, he set his sights on MMA—a decision that would make him one of the most recognizable faces in combat sports.

Despite their son’s unconventional path, his parents supported him. And today, their unwavering belief in him has come full circle.

More about Adesanya’s father and mother

Success often changes people, but for Israel Adesanya, it only deepened his gratitude. He never forgot the sacrifices his parents made. That’s why, when he had the chance, he repaid them in grand fashion.

How? Well, first he gifted his father a stunning $200,000 Bentley. Sharing the moment on social media, he wrote, “Upgraded my pops cuz he the realest on my team! I don’t wait for my loved ones to pass on before I give them their flowers.”

His mother wasn’t left out either. She received a Porsche, a gift as elegant as her unwavering support. For Adesanya, these weren’t just cars—they were symbols of appreciation, a way of saying, thank you.

In fact, when Dricus Du Plessis mocked Adesanya for growing up privileged, the former champ got emotional as he confessed the sacrifices his parents had made.  He then turned to his mother, hugged her tightly, and vowed to restore their honor. At that moment, the world saw a side of Adesanya rarely displayed—a son, not a fighter, finding strength in his family.

Now, after back-to-back losses, Israel Adesanya faces one of the biggest challenges of his career so far. At UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh Saudi, Arabia, he’ll be taking on Nassourdine Imavov in the main event. Can he claw his way back to the top? Or has the era of ‘The Last Stylebender’ come to an end? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!