Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on the 22nd of June, 1989. He is a professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer with multiple championships in all three disciplines.

Adesanya attended  Chrisland School, Opebi and enrolled in its Taekwondo after-school club until he was removed by his mother due to an injury. In 1999, he relocated to Ghana with his family for 10 months, but due to his parents wanting their children to receive a well-recognised higher education he settled in Rotorua, New Zealand, at age 10 and attended Rotorua Boys’ High school. H

Adesanya was bullied during his high school years and attributes the mistreatment he experienced to his decision to pursue martial arts later in life.

He has won so many fights; in May 2010, he won the first fight in a seven-fight winning streak. He made his Glory debut at Glory 15, he was defeated by his opponent but in a rematch at Glory of Heroes 3, he won by a unanimous decision.

Israel Adesanya recently fought with Alex Pereira to reclaim the UFC Middleweight Championship and he knocked him out. Some celebrities placed bets on Israel to win; Drake placed a $400,000 bet on him to win by knock out. He has won $1.84 million. This puts an end to his 0-3 losing streak against Pereira. Drake also placed a $500,000 bet on Israel Adesanya to defeat Alex Pereira and won $885,000.