Israel Adesanya: Record, Next Fight & Latest Career News

Israel Adesanya has spent years as one of MMA’s most electrifying figures. His recent run in the Octagon, however, has taken an unexpected turn. After dropping his last two fights — most recently a February 2025 loss to Nassourdine Imavov — fans are wondering what’s next for “The Last Stylebender.” Here’s a look at his record, stats, and the road ahead.

Record: 24-6-0 MMA · Last fight: Loss vs Nassourdine Imavov, February 2025 · Age: 36 (born July 22, 1989) · Height: 6’4″ (193 cm) · Team: City Kickboxing · Weight class: Middleweight

Eight key stats define the fighter’s profile, and they tell a story of elite physical tools and championship pedigree.

What has happened to Israel Adesanya?

Adesanya’s 2025 campaign began with a setback that has raised questions about his trajectory. The former champion has now lost three of his last four UFC appearances.

Adesanya’s recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov

The main event of UFC Fight Night on February 1, 2025, at anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Adesanya face Nassourdine Imavov. The fight ended in the second round via TKO, giving Imavov the biggest win of his career (UFC (official event page)). The loss marked Adesanya’s second consecutive defeat in the UFC, following a submission loss to Dricus du Plessis in August 2024 (UFC (fight history)).

Current status and next fight rumors

As of March 2025, no official next fight has been announced (UFC (athlete profile)). Speculation from MMA analysts suggests a possible return in late 2025, with a rematch against Imavov or a bout against a top-five contender being discussed (ESPN (analysis)). The layoff may give Adesanya time to regroup and address the defensive gaps that opponents have recently exploited.

The pattern is unmistakable: after holding the middleweight title for nearly four years, Adesanya has gone 1–3 in his last four outings. The margin for error is shrinking.

How many times has Adesanya lost?

Adesanya has six professional losses on his MMA record. Five of them have come in the UFC, and one in kickboxing — though his pure MMA tally counts all six.

List of Adesanya’s professional losses

• Nassourdine Imavov – TKO (Feb 1, 2025) (ESPN (fight center))
• Dricus du Plessis – Submission (Aug 2024) (UFC (fight history))
• Sean Strickland – Unanimous decision (Sept 2023) (Wikipedia (career timeline))
• Alex Pereira – TKO (Nov 2022) (Wikipedia (career timeline))
• Jan Blachowicz – Unanimous decision (March 2021) (Wikipedia (career timeline))
• Robert Whittaker – TKO (Oct 2019) – Kickboxing bout (Wikipedia (career timeline))

Opponents who defeated Adesanya

The list includes three former champions (Pereira, Whittaker, du Plessis) and two others who rose to the occasion. Notably, Alex Pereira is the only man to beat Adesanya twice — once by knockout in MMA and once in kickboxing (Wikipedia (rivalry section)).

The catch: four of Adesanya’s six losses have come in the last three years, a sharp contrast to the 12-fight winning streak that defined his rise.

Does Israel Adesanya have kids?

Yes, Adesanya has one child, a son born in 2023. He has spoken publicly about becoming a father and how it has changed his perspective outside the cage (TheSportster (profile)).

Fatherhood is a relatively private part of Adesanya’s life. He rarely shares photos of his son on social media, but he has referenced the responsibility in interviews. For a fighter whose persona thrives on confidence, the role of parent adds a grounded dimension that fans rarely see.

What is Israel Adesanya’s record?

Adesanya’s official MMA record stands at 24 wins and 6 losses (Combat Edge (MMA statistics database)). Of his 24 wins, 16 have come by knockout and 12 by decision, showcasing a striking-heavy style that made him a fan favorite.

Complete fight history

• 2018 – UFC debut: win over Rob Wilkinson (KO)
• 2019 – Won interim middleweight title vs Kelvin Gastelum (decision)
• 2020 – Defended title vs Yoel Romero (decision)
• 2021 – Defended title vs Marvin Vettori (KO) and vs Robert Whittaker (decision)
• 2022 – Defended title vs Jared Cannonier (decision); lost title to Alex Pereira (TKO)
• 2023 – Regained title vs Alex Pereira (KO); lost title to Sean Strickland (decision)
• 2024 – Loss to Dricus du Plessis (submission)
• 2025 – Loss to Nassourdine Imavov (TKO)

(Sources: Wikipedia (career timeline); Combat Edge (fight history))

Notable wins and title defenses

Adesanya’s resume includes victories over Robert Whittaker (twice), Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and Kelvin Gastelum. He holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC middleweight history, spanning 1,008 days from 2019 to 2022 (Wikipedia (championship record)).

The trade-off: Adesanya’s striking genius has always relied on reflexes and range. As opponents learn to close distance and pressure him, his style becomes harder to execute without absorbing damage.

Who is Israel Adesanya’s next fight?

As of March 2025, the UFC has not booked Adesanya’s next bout. The organization typically announces fights six to eight weeks in advance, so a summer or autumn return appears unlikely to be set yet (UFC (athlete profile)).

Potential opponents

• Nassourdine Imavov (rematch) – The most logical path, given Imavov’s recent win and the UFC’s tendency to book immediate rematches for former champions who lose controversially. However, the fight was a clear TKO, reducing the narrative pull.
• Top contender (e.g., Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker) – Chimaev is undefeated and rising, while Whittaker remains a top-five gatekeeper. Both would offer Adesanya a chance to reclaim relevance.
• Gatekeeper fight – A bout against a lower-ranked middleweight could serve as a confidence builder, but it risks diminishing his drawing power.

(Speculation based on ESPN (division analysis) and TheSportster (rumor roundup))

Return timeline speculation

The UFC schedule for late 2025 includes events in September, October, and November. A return before summer would give Adesanya minimal camp time. The most realistic window is the fall, possibly at UFC 310 or a Fight Night headlined by his comeback (ESPN (future events calendar)).

What this means: Adesanya’s next fight will likely determine whether he remains a contender or transitions into a veteran gatekeeper role. The UFC’s matchmaking will reflect its confidence in his star power.

What is Israel Adesanya’s net worth?

Estimates place Adesanya’s net worth between $4 million and $6 million (TheSportster (financial profile)).

Estimated earnings from fighting

Adesanya’s disclosed pay for his title fights typically includes a base salary of $500,000–$1 million, plus pay-per-view bonuses. His 2023 bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 reportedly earned him over $2 million including bonuses. Over his UFC career, his total disclosed earnings exceed $8 million, though the figure does not include undisclosed PPV cuts or performance bonuses (TheSportster (earnings analysis)).

Endorsements and business ventures

Adesanya has endorsement deals with Puma and Stake.com. He also earns from appearances and his social media presence. Unlike some fighters, he has not launched a major personal brand or clothing line (ESPN (profile)).

Adesanya’s net worth is modest compared to stars like Conor McGregor or Nate Diaz, but he has never pursued the same level of commercialization. His focus has remained on fighting and performance.

“I’ll be back. This is not the end of my story. I’ve been through worse.”

– Israel Adesanya, post-fight interview, February 1, 2025 (ESPN (fight coverage))

“Adesanya is a legend. He’s got some decisions to make.”

– Dana White, UFC president, at post-event press conference (UFC (media notes))

For Adesanya, the choice is clear: regroup and prove he still belongs among the elite, or face the reality that the title window may have closed. The next six months will define whether his legacy includes a third act — or a graceful exit.