$10 million UFC star Israel Adesanya flexes wild Naruto-themed McLaren

Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya showcases his anime love yet again with his newly-made Naruto-themed McLaren automobile.

$10 million UFC star Israel Adesanya flexes wild Naruto-themed McLaren

Israel Adesanya shares excitement over Naruto-themed McLaren (via Imago/X)

Israel Adesanya is a highly decorated UFC champion, winning the middleweight title twice and building a massive global fan following. In his prime, ‘The Last Stylebender’ ruled the division, and was known for his incredible striking and knockouts. However, he has had a downfall recently. Despite facing setbacks in recent fights, Adesanya remains financially successful, enjoying life, spending millions. 

The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter is famous for his flashy fighting style and extravagant lifestyle, never hesitating to proudly showcase his wealth and success. A devoted fan of Japanese animes, particularly Naruto, he often incorporates references into his persona, entrances, and tattoos. Recently, he amazed fans by unveiling a stunning Naruto-themed McLaren, further solidifying his love for anime culture.

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Adesanya customized his McLaren P1 with artwork featuring Naruto’s Kurama, collaborating with an artist to create a unique masterpiece. In a viral video, fans witnessed his excitement as he eagerly took his newly designed car for an exhilarating spin. The comment section was filled with enthusiasm, as many fans expressed their excitement and admiration for Izzy’s ride.

The first major anime reference from Adesanya in the UFC came from Naruto series as well. When he fought Anderson Silva at UFC 234, the ex-UFC champ used stances and references of Rock Lee from the Naruto manga. He did that stance during the weigh-ins as well as during the three-round main event. The Naruto series gained a lot of notoriety in the MMA community due to Adesanya constantly referring to it.

Adesanya’s prime always had anime references while showcasing elite striking, impeccable distance control, and dominant title reigns. His peak saw masterful performances against Paulo Costa, Robert Whittaker, and Marvin Vettori. Blending precision, confidence, and anime-inspired swagger, Adesanya’s prime solidified him as one of the UFC’s greatest middleweights.

Former rivals speak on Israel Adesanya’s downfall 

Israel Adesanya attempted to reclaim his UFC middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305, but suffered a dominant defeat. Experts analyzed his performance and speculated that Adesanya had lost his edge, struggling to compete at the highest level. With back-to-back losses, questions arose about his ability to remain a top contender in the division moving forward.

Israel Adesanya's recent downfall
Israel Adesanya’s recent downfall (via Imago)

Last month at UFC Saudi Arabia, Izzy took on Nassourdine Imavov and was confident about getting a win. However, in the second round, Adesanya got knocked out, losing his chances to make a comeback. Following the bout, Izzy’s old rival, Yoel Romero, talked about his performance. 

Israel, he needed time. He needed rest a little bit. That’s what I think. He need to rest a little bit because too much damage. But the problem is the UFC no give you time. When the UFC call you, you need to come because you have a contract.

Yoel Romero via The Submission Radio 
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After the loss, Adesanya remained humble and accepted defeat like a pro, showing great sportsmanship despite the setback. Meanwhile, rising middleweights have already begun calling him out, eager to challenge him and elevate their own status in the division. Recently, Roman Dolidze specifically mentioned Adesanya as an ideal opponent to defeat and quickly climb the UFC middleweight rankings.

Israel Adesanya’s anime influence 

Israel Adesanya is deeply influenced by anime, often referencing iconic series like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. He incorporates anime-inspired movements and techniques into his fighting style, showcasing creativity, precision, and flair inside the octagon.

Israel Adesanya's anime influence
Israel Adesanya’s anime influence (via X)

Adesanya’s signature moves, like the Death Note reference, pay tribute to his love for anime and its powerful storytelling. Not a lot of UFC fighters geek out about the anime or manga. This is what sets ‘The Last Stylebender’ apart from other UFC superstars.

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He even credits anime characters for shaping his mentality, emphasizing resilience, strategy, and the warrior spirit. By embracing anime culture, Adesanya connects with fans worldwide, making him a unique and charismatic figure in the MMA community. 

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