Israel Adesanya won the UFC interim middleweight title by defeating Kelvin Gastelum in April 2019, before unifying the belt and holding it until November 2022 when he was beaten by Alex Pereira.
In April 2019, Israel Adesanya became the interim middleweight champion by defeating Kelvin Gastelum in a thrilling match at UFC 236 held in Atlanta, Georgia. The fight saw both fighters push each other to their limits, with Adesanya ultimately outclassing Gastelum in the later rounds.
After unifying the belts in his next match against Robert Whittaker with a second-round finish, Adesanya held the title until November 2022 when he was stopped by Alex Pereira late in the fourth round of the UFC 281 main event.
The match between Adesanya and Gastelum was a sight to behold and is worth reliving for MMA fans. With this victory, Adesanya cemented his status as one of the UFC’s top fighters, showcasing his skill and endurance in the Octagon.
Despite Adesanya’s defeat in 2022, his legacy as a champion and his remarkable performances in his fights with Gastelum and Whittaker will undoubtedly go down in MMA history. Adesanya’s journey in the UFC is a testament to the sport’s grit and determination, and his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come.