The Journey of Israel Adesanya: From Bullying Victim to UFC Champion

TLDRIsrael Adesanya, an MMA fighter hailed as the face of the sport, shares his inspiring journey from being a victim of bullying to becoming a UFC champion. He talks about his love for Japanese anime, how it influences his fighting style, and his dreams of creating an animation company after retiring from fighting.

Key insights

💪Israel Adesanya faced bullying as a child and found solace in martial arts, leading him to pursue a career in MMA.

🎭Adesanya's love for Japanese anime has greatly influenced his fighting style and image, earning him the nickname 'The Last Style Bender.'

🥊He started his professional kickboxing career and achieved a 32-0 amateur record before transitioning to MMA.

🌍Adesanya's journey took him from Nigeria to New Zealand, where he trained at City Kickboxing and emerged as a top UFC contender.

🎬After retiring from fighting, Adesanya plans to create his own animation company, combining his passion for anime and storytelling.

Q&A

How did Israel Adesanya's experience with bullying shape his fighting career?

—Adesanya's experience with bullying drove him to pursue martial arts and eventually led him to a successful career in MMA.

How has Japanese anime influenced Israel Adesanya's fighting style?

—Adesanya draws inspiration from anime, replicating certain moves, poses, and even incorporating hand signs into his fighting routine.

What is the significance of Adesanya's nickname 'The Last Style Bender'?

—His nickname is a reference to an anime series called 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' and it represents his unique fighting style that blends various disciplines.

What is City Kickboxing, and how has it contributed to Adesanya's success?

—City Kickboxing is a gym in Auckland, New Zealand, where Adesanya trains with top MMA fighters. It has played a pivotal role in his rise to becoming a UFC champion.

What are Adesanya's plans after retiring from fighting?

—Adesanya intends to create his own animation company and work on producing anime and storytelling projects.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Israel Adesanya shares his journey from being a victim of bullying to becoming a UFC champion.

06:22Adesanya's love for Japanese anime greatly influences his fighting style and image.

10:58He started his professional kickboxing career and achieved a 32-0 amateur record.

12:23Adesanya's journey took him from Nigeria to New Zealand, where he trained at City Kickboxing.

13:06After retiring from fighting, Adesanya plans to create his own animation company.

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