Israel Adesanya

Last updated

Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya at UFC 230.jpg
Israel Adesanya at UFC 230
BornIsrael Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya [1]
(1989-07-22) 22 July 1989 (age 34)
Lagos, Nigeria
NicknameThe Last Stylebender
Stylebender
Residence Auckland, New Zealand
NationalityNigerian [2]
New Zealander
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division Middleweight (2012–present)
Light Heavyweight (2021)
Reach80 in (203 cm) [3]
Style Kickboxing
Fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand
Team City Kickboxing (2010–present) [4]
Trainer Eugene Bareman: Head coach
Andrei Păuleț: Wrestling [5] [6]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under André Galvão [7]
Years active2010–present
Professional boxing record
Total6
Wins5
By knockout1
Losses1
Kickboxing record
Total80
Wins75
By knockout29
Losses5
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total27
Wins24
By knockout16
By decision8
Losses3
By knockout1
By decision2
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya [1] (born 22 July 1989) is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer. [8] [9] As a mixed martial artist, he currently competes in the Middleweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion. In kickboxing, he is a former Glory Middleweight Championship title challenger. As of 23 January 2024, he is #2 in the UFC middleweight rankings, [10] and as of 30 April 2024, he is #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. [11]

Contents

Early life and background

Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, the eldest of five children. [8] His father, Oluwafemi, [12] is an accountant and his mother, Taiwo, is a nurse. [13] Adesanya attended Chrisland School, Opebi, and enrolled in its Taekwondo after-school club until he was removed by his mother due to an injury. [8] [14] [15] In 1999, he relocated to Ghana with his family for 10 months, [4] but due to his parents wanting their children to receive a well-recognised higher education, [16] he settled in Rotorua, New Zealand, at age 10 [17] and attended Rotorua Boys' High School. [18] Adesanya was not interested in sports during high school; instead he was interested in Japanese anime such as Death Note [19] and the manga series Naruto . [20] Adesanya was bullied during his high school years [21] and attributes his decision to pursue martial arts later in life to the mistreatment he experienced. [22]

Following high school graduation, Adesanya enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui. [23] At the age of 18, he started training in kickboxing, after being inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak . [15] Two years later Adesanya made the decision to cease his studies in pursuit of a career in kickboxing and went on to amass an amateur record of 32–0 before turning professional and fighting in China. [24] [25] At the age of 21, Adesanya moved to Auckland, New Zealand, and began training in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing, with future UFC fighters such as Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France and former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. [26] [27] [28] He trains in wrestling under the Romanian New Zealander Andrei Păuleț. [5] [6]

Adesanya is multilingual, fluent in Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, and English. [29]

Professional kickboxing career

Early beginnings

In May 2010, Adesanya won the first fight of his seven-fight winning streak, defeating Tim Atonio by unanimous decision. He won his next six fights, fighting almost exclusively with Wu Lin Feng in China. His winning streak earned him a place in the 2014 Kunlun Fight 80 kg tournament, held during Kunlun Fight 2. He lost the semifinal bout against Simon Marcus by an extra round split decision. [30] Adesanya afterwards made his Glory debut at Glory 15, when he faced Filip Verlinden. Verlinden won the fight by unanimous decision. [31] The two of them fought a rematch at Glory of Heroes 3, two years after their first fight, with Adesanya winning a unanimous decision.

Adesanya participated in the King in the Ring Cruiserweights II tournament of the regional circuit in New Zealand. [32] In the quarterfinal, he beat Slava Alexeichik by unanimous decision, in the semifinal he beat Pati Afoa by knockout and won the tournament with a knockout of Jamie Eades. Six months later, he took part in the 2015 Cruiserweights III tournament. He scored technical knockouts of Kim Loudon and Mark Timms in the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts respectively, before winning the tournament for the second time with a first-round knockout of Pati Afoa. [33]

Moving up in weight, Adesanya participated in the 2015 The Heavyweights III, as well. He defeated Nase Foai by TKO in the quarterfinal and Dan Roberts by KO in the semifinal, before facing Jamie Eades in the finals. The two had previously met in the final of the 2014 Cruiserweight tournament. Adesanya won the tournament final by unanimous decision. [34]

Glory Middleweight Championship

Adesanya won five of his next six fights, including victories over Yousri Belgaroui [35] and Bogdan Stoica. [36] His loss came at the hands of future GLORY Middleweight champion Alex Pereira, who won by unanimous decision. [37]

Adesanya participated in the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament. He defeated Robert Thomas by unanimous decision in the semifinals, and won the tournament with a split decision victory over Yousri Belgaroui. [38] He fought Jason Wilnis for the Glory Middleweight championship at Glory 37: Los Angeles. Wilnis won the fight by unanimous decision, although the result was considered controversial. [39] [40] [41]

His last kickboxing fight, before transitioning to mixed martial arts, was a rematch with Alex Pereira at Glory of Heroes 7. Pereira won the fight by knockout, after dropping Adesanya with a short left hook in the third round. [42] [43]

Professional mixed martial arts career

Early career

Adesanya made his professional debut in 2012, with a TKO win against James Griffiths. He scored another TKO win against John Vake, before taking a two-year hiatus from mixed martial arts. He returned to MMA in August 2015, when he won the fight against Song Kenan by TKO. [44] He went on to amass an 8–0 record, fighting mostly in Oceanian and Chinese circuits. During this run, he won the AFC Middleweight Championship at Australia Fighting Championship 20 with a first-round TKO over Melvin Guillard, [45] as well as the Hex Fight Series Middleweight championship with a first-round KO of Stuart Dare. [46]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In December 2017, it was announced that Adesanya had signed a contract with the UFC. He made his debut against Rob Wilkinson on 11 February 2018, at UFC 221. [47] He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round. [48] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus. [49] [ check quotation syntax ][ check quotation syntax ] Adesanya's next fight took place on 14 April 2018, against Marvin Vettori at UFC on Fox 29. [50] He won the match by split decision. [51]

Adesanya then faced Brad Tavares on 6 July 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale. [52] Adesanya won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision. [53] This win earned him his second Performance of the Night award. [54]

Adesanya faced Derek Brunson on 3 November 2018, at UFC 230. [55] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one. [56] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award for a third time. [57]

While initially expected to serve as the co-main event, Adesanya faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva on 10 February 2019, in the main event of UFC 234. [58] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [59] This fight earned both competitors the Fight of the Night award. [60]

UFC Middleweight Championship

Adesanya faced Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship on 13 April 2019, in the co-main event of UFC 236. [61] He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 48–46. [62] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. [63] The fight was widely regarded as the best fight of the year, earning the nomination from most of the MMA news outlets. [64]

Adesanya then faced Robert Whittaker in a title unification bout on 6 October 2019, headlining UFC 243 for UFC Middleweight Championship. [65] After a knockdown in last second of the first round, Adesanya won the fight via knockout in the second round. [66] This win earned him his fourth Performance of the Night award. [67] Him and Kamaru Usman becoming UFC champions was ranked as the 29th most memorable moment in Nigerian sports history since 1960 by Premium Times in 2020, one of only four combat sports-related moments. [68]

Adesanya next faced three-time UFC title challenger Yoel Romero on 7 March 2020 UFC 248. [69] He won the fight via unanimous decision, with scores of 48–47, 48–47 and 49–46 and defended his title for the first time. [70] Many fans and pundits felt disappointed due to the low activity by both fighters which resulted in a largely uneventful fight in which neither fighter was able to deliver any significant offense. [71] [72]

In his next title defense, Adesanya faced fellow undefeated fighter Paulo Costa on 27 September 2020 at UFC 253. [73] This marked the first time two male unbeaten mixed martial artists met in a title fight since 2009. [74] He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round. [75] This win earned him his fifth Performance of the Night award. [76] After the bout, Adesanya's visible right-breast gynecomastia drummed up controversy due to possible PEDs use, though Adesanya claimed it was due to his usage of marijuana. [77] [78] Adesanya also caused additional controversy by simulating anal sex on the prone Costa at the end of the fight. [79]

Adesanya moved up a weight class and faced Jan Błachowicz for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on 6 March 2021, headlining UFC 259. [80] At the weight-ins, Adesanya weighed 200 pounds, five pounds away from the light heavyweight limit. [81] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, with scores of 49–46, 49–45 and 49–45, marking the first time he has been defeated in mixed martial arts. [82]

Adesanya rematched Marvin Vettori for the UFC Middleweight Championship on 12 June 2021, headlining UFC 263. [83] Adesanya controlled a majority of the fight winning via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 50–45. [84]

A rematch between Adesanya and Robert Whittaker for the UFC Middleweight Championship took place on 12 February 2022 at UFC 271. [85] Adesanya won the rematch via unanimous decision, with scores of 48–47, 48–47 and 49–46. [86]

Adesanya faced Jared Cannonier on 2 July 2022, at UFC 276. [87] He won the bout via unanimous decision. [88] This win earn him the Crypto.com Fan Bonus of the Night first place award which paid in bitcoin of US$30,000. [89]

Adesanya faced Alex Pereira, who had two victories against him in kickboxing, on 12 November 2022 at UFC 281. [90] Adesanya lost the fight and title via technical knockout in the fifth round, his first loss at middleweight. [91]

A rematch between Pereira and Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship took place on 8 April 2023, at UFC 287. [92] Adesanya won the fight and title via knockout in the second round. [93] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. [94]

Adesanya faced Sean Strickland on 10 September 2023, at UFC 293. [95] Adesanya lost the bout in a major upset via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 49–46. [96]

Professional boxing career

Prizefighting tournaments

Adesanya began his professional boxing career in November 2014 against two-time Australian champion Daniel Ammann. [97] He was granted one of two wildcards to enter the inaugural cruiserweight Super 8 Boxing Tournament. [98] The event was headlined by Shane Cameron and Kali Meehan at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. [99] He suffered a controversial loss via unanimous decision after he looked to have outpointed Ammann in the quarter-finals. [100]

Adesanya re-entered the Super 8 tournament in May 2015, held at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch. It was the second cruiserweight series with the winner receiving $25,000 NZD and a new car. [101] He won his first professional fight against fellow New Zealander Asher Derbyshire in the first seed. Adesanya knocked his opponent out in the second round. In the second fight of the tournament, Adesanya won a majority decision against Lance Bryant. In the tournament final, he defeated Brian Minto by split decision. [102]

Adesanya fought in the 2015 Super 8 Cruiserweight tournament. He won his semifinal match against Zane Hopman by unanimous decision, and defended the cruiserweight crown with a unanimous decision win against Lance Bryant in the final. [103]

Controversies

Referencing 9/11 attack

In February 2020, Adesanya came under fire for comments made at the UFC 248 pre-fight press conference, where he said he would make opponent Yoel Romero "crumble like the Twin Towers", referencing the September 11 attacks. [104] The following day, Adesanya made an apology on his Instagram page, saying "I was simply rambling and my brain worked faster than my mouth in a moment to choose the wrong euphemism. You speak on the mic enough times and you're bound to miss the mark with some bars. I did on this one and for that I'm sorry. I'll be more careful in future with my words." [105]

Derogatory sexual comment

On 25 March 2021, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport, Grant Robertson, spoke out against Adesanya's "flippant comments" on his Instagram "Bro, I will fuckin' rape you" aimed at fellow UFC middleweight fighter, Kevin Holland. Robertson commented "I'm sure Israel understands that, I believe he has deleted the tweet in question. It will be up to the UFC as to what they do. But I would certainly be making clear to him [Adesanya], and to anybody actually, that we have to take rape seriously. It's not an issue that anyone should be making jokes or flippant comments about at all." [106] [107] [108]

Brass knuckles possession arrest

On 16 November 2022, Adesanya was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City for the possession of brass knuckles. [109] [110]

Drunk driving

On 19 August 2023, [111] Adesanya was pulled over for drunk driving in central Auckland, New Zealand where he was measured with blood alcohol content of 87mg%. In New Zealand the legal limit for driving is 50 mg%, and above 80 mg% the punishment is up to 3 months imprisonment. On 10 January 2024, he pleaded guilty [112] and in lieu of a prison sentence, he was fined NZ$ 1,500 and given a six-month driving suspension. [113] He was granted a discharge without conviction — his second, after previously driving while disqualified — due to the adverse effect a conviction would have on his ability to travel and acquire sponsorships. [114] Additionally, after his court appearance he posted videos from inside the court to his social media pages, which is illegal in New Zealand without the permission of the presiding judge. [115] He later removed the posts and released an apology. [116]

Personal life

Before taking up fighting, Adesanya regularly competed in dance competitions across New Zealand. [117] He highlighted his passion for dance in a choreographed walkout at UFC 243. [118] [119]

Adesanya is a fan of anime and has stated he would like to start an anime production company after retiring from fighting. [120] His nickname "The Last Stylebender" is a reference to Avatar: The Last Airbender , an anime-influenced cartoon series. [121] Adesanya has the image of one of the show's main characters, Toph Beifong, tattooed on his forearm. [122]

In September 2020, he became the first mixed martial arts athlete to sign a sponsorship deal with Puma. [123]

In June 2023, Stylebender , a documentary film focusing on the life of Adesanya debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival. [124]

Views and positions

Adesanya endorsed a "yes" vote in the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum. [125]

In June 2021, Adesanya advocated tougher penalties against coward punching following the death of his training partner Fau Vake, who died after being punched in the head the previous month. [126] [127]

Championships and accomplishments

Boxing

Kickboxing

Awards

Mixed martial arts

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV buys
1. UFC 234 Adesanya vs. Silva10 February 2019 Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, Australia175,000 [174]
2. UFC 243 Whittaker vs. Adesanya8 October 2019 Marvel Stadium Melbourne, AustraliaNot Disclosed [175]
3. UFC 248 Adesanya vs. Romero7 March 2020 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.SNot Disclosed [176]
4. UFC 253 Adesanya vs. Costa27 September 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates700,000 [177]
5. UFC 259 Błachowicz vs. Adesanya6 March 2021 UFC Apex Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S800,000 [178]
6. UFC 263 Adesanya vs. Vettori 212 June 2021 Gila River Arena Glendale, Arizona, U.S600,000 [179]
7. UFC 271 Adesanya vs. Whittaker 212 February 2022 Toyota Center Houston, Texas, U.SNot Disclosed [180]
8. UFC 276 Adesanya vs. Cannonier2 July 2022 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.SNot Disclosed [181]
9. UFC 281 Adesanya vs. Pereira12 November 2022 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, U.SNot Disclosed [182]
10. UFC 287 Pereira vs. Adesanya 28 April 2023 Kaseya Center Miami, Florida, U.SNot Disclosed [183]
11. UFC 293 Adesanya vs. Strickland10 September 2023 Qudos Bank Arena Sydney, AustraliaNot Disclosed [184]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
27 matches24 wins3 losses
By knockout161
By decision82
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss24–3 Sean Strickland Decision (unanimous) UFC 293 10 September 202355:00 Sydney, AustraliaLost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win24–2 Alex Pereira KO (punches) UFC 287 8 April 202324:21 Miami, Florida, United StatesWon the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Loss23–2 Alex Pereira TKO (punches) UFC 281 12 November 202252:01 New York City, New York, United StatesLost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win23–1 Jared Cannonier Decision (unanimous) UFC 276 2 July 202255:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win22–1 Robert Whittaker Decision (unanimous) UFC 271 12 February 202255:00 Houston, Texas, United StatesDefended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win21–1 Marvin Vettori Decision (unanimous) UFC 263 12 June 202155:00 Glendale, Arizona, United StatesDefended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Loss20–1 Jan Błachowicz Decision (unanimous) UFC 259 6 March 202155:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesLight Heavyweight debut. For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win20–0 Paulo Costa TKO (punches and elbows) UFC 253 27 September 202023:59 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDefended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win19–0 Yoel Romero Decision (unanimous) UFC 248 7 March 202055:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesDefended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win18–0 Robert Whittaker KO (punches) UFC 243 6 October 201923:33 Melbourne, AustraliaWon and unified the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win17–0 Kelvin Gastelum Decision (unanimous) UFC 236 13 April 201955:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United StatesWon the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year.
Win16–0 Anderson Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC 234 10 February 201935:00 Melbourne, AustraliaFight of the Night.
Win15–0 Derek Brunson TKO (knees and punches) UFC 230 3 November 201814:51 New York City, New York, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win14–0 Brad Tavares Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated Finale 6 July 201855:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win13–0 Marvin Vettori Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje 14 April 201835:00 Glendale, Arizona, United States
Win12–0 Rob Wilkinson TKO (knees and punches) UFC 221 11 February 201823:37 Perth, AustraliaPerformance of the Night.
Win11–0Stuart DareKO (head kick)Hex Fight Series 1224 November 201714:53 Melbourne, AustraliaWon the vacant Hex Fight Series Middleweight Championship.
Win10–0 Melvin Guillard TKO (punches) AFC 20 28 July 201714:49 Melbourne, AustraliaWon the vacant AFC Middleweight Championship.
Win9–0Murad KuramagomedovTKO (punches)Wu Lin Feng: E.P.I.C. 428 May 201621:05 Henan, China
Win8–0Andrew Flores SmithTKO (corner stoppage)Glory of Heroes 27 May 201615:00 Shenzhen, China
Win7–0Dibir ZagirovTKO (punches)Wu Lin Feng: E.P.I.C. 213 March 201622:23 Henan, China
Win6–0Vladimir KatykhinTKO (doctor stoppage)Wu Lin Feng: E.P.I.C. 113 January 201622:13 Henan, China
Win5–0Gele QingTKO (elbows)Wu Lin Feng 2015: New Zealand vs. China19 September 201523:37 Auckland, New Zealand
Win4–0Maui TuigamalaTKO (kick to the body)Fair Pay Fighting 15 September 201521:25 Auckland, New Zealand
Win3–0 Song Kenan TKO (head kick)The Legend of Emei 38 August 201511:59 Shahe, ChinaCatchweight (187 lb) bout.
Win2–0John VakeTKO (punches)Shuriken MMA: Best of the Best15 June 201314:43 Auckland, New Zealand
Win1–0James GriffithsTKO (punches)Supremacy Fighting Championship 924 March 201212:09 Auckland, New ZealandMiddleweight debut.

[185]

Kickboxing record

Professional Kickboxing and Muay Thai record
75 wins (29’(T)KOs), 5 losses, 0 draws
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTime
2017-03-04Loss Flag of Brazil.svg Alex Pereira Glory of Heroes 7 Sao Paulo, Brazil KO (left hook) [186] 30:42
2017-01-20Loss Flag of the Netherlands.svg Jason Wilnis Glory 37: Los Angeles Los Angeles, California, USDecision (unanimous) [187] 53:00
For the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2016-10-21Win Flag of the Netherlands.svg Yousri Belgaroui Glory 34: Denver – Middleweight Contender Tournament Finals Broomfield, Colorado, USDecision (split)33:00
Wins Glory 34: Denver – Middleweight Contender Tournament Championship.
2016-10-21Win Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Robert Thomas Glory 34: Denver – Middleweight Contender Tournament, Semi Finals Broomfield, Colorado, USDecision (unanimous)33:00
2016-10-01Win Flag of Romania.svg Bogdan Stoica Glory of Heroes 5 Zhengzhou, China KO (left mid kick)21:45
2016-09-17Win Flag of France.svg Romain Falendry Rise of Heroes 1 Chaoyang, Liaoning, China Decision (unanimous)33:00
2016-08-06Win Flag of the Netherlands.svg Yousri Belgaroui Glory of Heroes 4 Changzhi, China Decision (unanimous)33:00
2016-07-02Win Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Filip Verlinden Glory of Heroes 3 Jiyuan, Henan, China Decision (unanimous)33:00
2016-06-25Win Flag of Ukraine.svg Vitaly KodinWu Lin FengChinaDecision (unanimous)33:00
2016-04-02Loss Flag of Brazil.svg Alex Pereira Glory of Heroes 1 Shenzhen, China Decision (unanimous) [188] 33:00
2016-01-30Win Flag of Sweden.svg Carl N'DiayeThe Legend of Emei 7 – Wenjiang Wenjiang, China KO (left hook to the body)13:00
2015-10-31Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Jamie Eades King in the Ring 100 – The Heavyweights III, Final Auckland, New ZealandDecision (unanimous)33:00
Wins King in the Ring 100 – The Heavyweights III Tournament Championship.
2015-10-31Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dan Roberts King in the Ring 100 – The Heavyweights III, Semi Finals Auckland, New ZealandKO10:26
2015-10-31Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nase Foai King in the Ring 100 – The Heavyweights III, Quarter Finals Auckland, New ZealandTKO3N/A
2015-04-11Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Pati Afoa King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights III, Final Auckland, New ZealandKO1N/A
Wins King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights III Tournament Championship.
2015-04-11Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mark Timms King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights III, Semi Finals Auckland, New ZealandTKO2N/A
2015-04-11Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kim Loudon King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights III, Quarter Finals Auckland, New ZealandTKO3
2015-02-14Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kim LoudonKnees of Fury 50 Adelaide, Australia TKO4N/A
2014-10-11Win Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Joe BoobyerKnees of Fury 48 Hamilton, New Zealand KO (Knee)
2014-09-21Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Wenjie GuoKungfu Union Dalian, China Decision33:00
2014-08-30Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Jamie Eades King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights II, Final Auckland, New ZealandKO1N/A
Wins King in the Ring 86– The Cruiserweights II Tournament Championship.
2014-08-30Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Pati Afoa King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights II, Semi Finals Auckland, New ZealandKON/AN/A
2014-08-30Win Flag of Russia.svg Slava Alekseychik King in the Ring 86 – The Cruiserweights II, Quarter Finals Auckland, New ZealandDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2014-05-24Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Charles AugustKnees of Fury 46 Adelaide, AustraliaTKO (Knee)2
Wins the WMC Oceania Cruiserweight title.
2014-04-12Loss Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Filip Verlinden Glory 15: Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey Decision (unanimous) [189] 33:00
2014-02-16Loss Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Simon Marcus Kunlun Fight 2 – 80kg tournament, Semi Finals Zhengzhou, China Ext. R Decision (split) [190] 43:00
2013-11-27Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Qin Shan Wu Lin Feng 2013 Anyang, China TKO3N/A
2013-09-11Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Nurla Mulali Wu Lin Feng 2013 Kashi, China Decision (unanimous)33:00
2012-07-21Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Niu Xiaoqiang Wu Lin Feng 2012 Auckland, New ZealandKO (punches)3N/A
2012-06-23Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Xu Yi Wu Lin Feng 2012 Foshan, China Decision (unanimous)33:00
2012-08-29Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gary WilliamsKnees of Fury 38 Adelaide, AustraliaDecision (Split)33:00
2012-05-26Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gary WilliamsKnees of Fury 37 Adelaide, AustraliaDecision (Split)33:00
2012-02-25Win Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve BehanKnees of Fury 36 Adelaide, AustraliaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2011-09-24Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Guo QiangCI-K Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia TKO (referee stoppage)3N/A
2011-06-11Win Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Guo Qiang Wu Lin Feng 2011Shangqiu, China Decision33:00
2011-02-12Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Eds EramihaRumble in the Ville Auckland, New ZealandDecision (unanimous)52:00
Wins the WKBF New Zealand Cruiserweight title.
2010-12-04Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Eds EramihaPuma 8 Man TournamentNew ZealandN/AN/AN/A
2010-12-04Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Ti'i NanaiPuma 8 Man TournamentNew ZealandN/AN/AN/A
2010-12-04Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Areta GilbertPuma 8 Man TournamentNew ZealandN/AN/AN/A
2010-07-17Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Ben DavisLee Gar 35th Year AnniversaryNew ZealandN/AN/AN/A
2010-05-16Win Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tim AtonioFight Force Melbourne, AustraliaDecision (unanimous)52:00
2010-04-23Win Flag of New Zealand.svg Jerry SeagarBring the South to the City 3New ZealandN/AN/AN/A
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Professional boxing record

6 fights5 wins1 loss
By knockout10
By decision41
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
6Win5–1 Lance Bryant UD33 November 2015SkyCity, Auckland, New ZealandSuper 8 Boxing Tournament IV: cruiserweight final [129]
5Win4–1Zane HopmanUD33 November 2015 SkyCity, Auckland, New Zealand Super 8 Boxing Tournament IV: cruiserweight semi-final
4Win3–1 Brian Minto SD328 March 2015Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New ZealandSuper 8 Boxing Tournament III: cruiserweight final [128]
3Win2–1Lance BryantMD328 March 2015Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand Super 8 Boxing Tournament III: cruiserweight semi-final
2Win1–1Asher DerbyshireKO2 (3)28 March 2015 Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand Super 8 Boxing Tournament III: cruiserweight quarter-final
1Loss0–1 Daniel Ammann UD322 November 2014 North Shore Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand Super 8 Boxing Tournament II: cruiserweight quarter-final [191]

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 234</span> UFC mixed martial arts event in 2019

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Curtis (fighter)</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1987)

Christopher Alan Curtis is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2009, he has also competed for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). As of April 16, 2024, he is #15 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 281</span> Mixed martial arts event in 2022

UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on November 12, 2022, at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 287</span> Mixed martial arts event in 2023

UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on April 8, 2023, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, United States.

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Sporting positions
Mixed martial arts titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Robert Whittaker 		2nd UFC Interim Middleweight Champion
13 April 2019 – 6 October 2019		Vacant
Preceded by 11th UFC Middleweight Champion
6 October 2019 – 12 November 2022		Succeeded by
Preceded by 13th UFC Middleweight Champion
8 April 2023 – 10 September 2023		Succeeded by
Kickboxing titles
Preceded by
TY Williams
 2nd King in the Ring Cruiserweight Champion
30 August 2014 – 11 April 2015
Vacated		Vacant
Vacant 3rd King in the Ring Cruiserweight Champion
11 April 2015 – 17 November 2017
Vacated		Succeeded by
Slava Alexeichik
Preceded by 3rd King in the Ring Heavyweight Champion
31 October 2015 – 30 June 2017
Vacated		Succeeded by
Carlos Ulberg
Boxing titles
Preceded by 1st Super 8 Boxing Cruiserweight Champion
28 March 2015		Incumbent
Preceded by
Israel Adesanya
 2nd Super 8 Boxing Cruiserweight Champion
3 November 2015		Incumbent
Awards
Preceded by New Zealand's Sportsman of the Year
2019		Succeeded by
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