Israel Adesanya’s final words at the UFC Saudi post-event show earlier this month were, “I don’t know. I will have to chill and then think about things.” After suffering his third consecutive loss, questions surrounded his future in MMA. However, today at UFC 312 in Australia—the first pay-per-view event of 2025—the focus wasn’t solely on the highly anticipated 185lbs title rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Instead, much of the attention shifted to Izzy, who was in attendance at the Qudos Bank Arena.

During the broadcast, the UFC announced that Adesanya’s legendary interim title bout against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. The 2019 Fight of the Year, which played a crucial role in cementing the Nigerian-Kiwi as a division mainstay, was also the contest where he famously declared that he was “prepared to die” at the start of the final round.

Later, during the post-fight interview, a reporter questioned Adesanya about whether he had taken a moment to reflect after enduring multiple setbacks and now receiving a Hall of Fame induction. “Do you ever step back and think, wow, I really got to experience that intensity?” the reporter asked.

‘The Last Stylebender’ spoke candidly about his journey, responding, “I wouldn’t change anything. I like the chance to be able to feel these moments. Regardless, it’s always making history—like, I’m making history even when I lose, you know?”

Furthermore, he expressed gratitude toward Nassourdine Imavov, adding, “Because, you know, we shot a fair one. He beat me, and then cool, we move on. I move forward to the next one.” Reflecting on the experience, he continued, “So yeah, I was grateful that I didn’t come out hurt. Grateful that, you know… because I think people, again, expect you to react the way they would react. But they don’t understand—you haven’t done what I’ve done, so we’re not the same. And yeah, I was grateful for that moment. Grateful for the week. And I’m grateful for tonight as well.”

Tomorrow, February 10, 2025, marks seven years since Israel Adesanya’s arrival in the UFC. Throughout his career, he has not only claimed the middleweight title twice but also etched his name in history as one of the rare fighters to compete exclusively in title fights between 2019 and 2024—an extraordinary run of 11 consecutive championship bouts. Now at 35, with his 36th birthday approaching in July, Adesanya finds himself in the final chapter of his UFC journey. Speaking to the media at UFC 312, he reflected on his iconic battle against Kelvin Gastelum—let’s take a look at what he had to say.

Israel Adesanya reflects on his championship triumph against Kelvin Gastelum

“The fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 was one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen in my life. This was an absolute war with the interim title on the line. Congrats to Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum on a fight that will always be remembered!” said Dana White after witnessing the unforgettable co-main event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

White’s words weren’t just admiration—they carried the weight of history. That night in Atlanta, Izzy experienced his first taste of MMA championship glory, even if it was only the interim belt. He secured a unanimous decision victory in what would become the defining moment of his career.

Years later, at the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, ‘The Last Stylebender’ looked back on that grueling five-round battle, telling the media, “That was the realest moment I think I’ve ever had in the cage. The realest moment. I meant every single word of it. I returned the favor by trying to kill him [Kelvin]. And he’s a hard man to kill. For me, in the moment, I wasn’t even scared. I wasn’t even scared of death. I’d just got rocked and I was like, ‘If this is how I go out, then this is how I go out. But I’m gonna die trying.’ And I tried, and I did.”

That war with Kelvin Gastelum became the catalyst for Israel Adesanya’s meteoric rise to superstardom, setting the stage for his title unification bout at UFC 243 against Robert Whittaker. Fittingly, it was in the fateful lands of Australia—Marvel Stadium in Melbourne—where Adesanya delivered a masterclass, dismantling Whittaker to claim the undisputed middleweight championship for the first time. And he did so in front of a record-breaking 57,127 fans, the largest crowd in UFC history.

This victory marked the beginning of Adesanya’s half-decade-long reign over the 185-pound division, where he successfully defended his title against elite challengers like Alex Pereira, Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Jared Cannonier, and Marvin Vettori. During his dominance, he also set an astonishing record of competing in 12 consecutive UFC title fights—a feat few in the sport’s history can match. It’s safe to say that any future champion aiming to replicate Adesanya’s legacy will have to produce something truly extraordinary.

Now, as Izzy reaches a pivotal moment in his career, the big question lingers—if he returns to the Octagon, who should stand across from him? Share your thoughts on the opponent you’d most like to see Israel Adesanya face next in the UFC!