5 Israel Adesanya Fights That Transformed the Middleweight Division

Despite a recent setback, Israel Adesanya's legacy as one of the most influential middleweights in UFC history remains intact.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:24am

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As Israel Adesanya enters the next phase of his career following a tough loss to Joe Pyfer, the spotlight is once again on a fighter who has already left a permanent mark on the middleweight division. Adesanya's reign included five successful title defenses, placing him among the most accomplished middleweights in UFC history. Here are five fights that didn't just define Adesanya's career—they changed the division itself.

Why it matters

Adesanya isn't just a former champion. He's one of the most influential strikers the UFC has ever seen. His rise brought a stylistic shift at 185 lbs, where precision, distance control, and calculated striking began to outweigh pure aggression. His success forced fighters to rethink their strategies, placing greater value on timing, movement, and efficiency.

The details

Adesanya's five career-defining fights include his wars with Kelvin Gastelum and Robert Whittaker, his dominant performances against Paulo Costa and Alex Pereira, and his technical battle with Anderson Silva. These fights showcased Adesanya's ability to adapt, survive adversity, and impose his striking style on even the most aggressive opponents. They transformed the middleweight division by highlighting the importance of feints, footwork, and patience over raw power and pressure.

  • Adesanya defeated Kelvin Gastelum in a five-round war for the interim title at UFC 236.
  • Adesanya knocked out Robert Whittaker in the second round at UFC 243 to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
  • Adesanya delivered a one-sided title fight performance against Paulo Costa at UFC 253, securing a second-round TKO.
  • Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC 287, finally solving the puzzle of his longtime rival.
  • Adesanya outstriked Anderson Silva in a technical, respectful battle that earned Fight of the Night honors at UFC 234.

The players

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC middleweight champion with a professional record of 24-5 and 16 wins by knockout, known for his precise, technical striking and ability to adapt his style to different opponents.

Kelvin Gastelum

A former UFC interim middleweight title challenger, known for his aggressive, high-volume striking style.

Robert Whittaker

A former UFC middleweight champion, known for his pressure, durability, and well-rounded skills.

Paulo Costa

A former UFC middleweight title challenger, known for his overwhelming pressure and power.

Alex Pereira

A former kickboxing rival of Adesanya, who defeated him multiple times before their MMA rematch at UFC 287.

Anderson Silva

Widely regarded as one of the greatest middleweights of all time, who faced Adesanya in a technical, respectful battle at UFC 234.

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What they’re saying

“That definitely was the one where I had to really dig deep and find that man and the spirit within me that could thrive in those situations, in the chaos. That's the toughest fight of my career to date.”

— Israel Adesanya, UFC Fighter

“He's still got it, I'll tell you that much.”

— Israel Adesanya, UFC Fighter

The takeaway

Israel Adesanya's legacy as one of the most influential middleweights in UFC history is defined by his ability to adapt, evolve, and impose his technical, precision-based striking style on even the most aggressive opponents. His success forced fighters to rethink their strategies, placing greater emphasis on feints, footwork, and patience over raw power and pressure.