Israel Adesanya’s father: How Oluwafemi helped quadruple UFC superstar’s net worth
A comprehensive look at Israel Adesanya's father and the impact he had on the former UFC middleweight champion's luxurious lifestyle.
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Israel Adesanya with his father (Image via YouTube/@freestylebenderclips)
Parents are crucial in shaping a child’s successful future, often going above and beyond to uncover the best opportunities for their kids. Let’s take a closer look at the powerful bond between a father and son, particularly in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, through the lens of one of the sport’s brightest stars: Israel Adesanya.
Popularly known as ‘Izzy’, Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria. When he was 10 years old, his family relocated to New Zealand, where they continued their lives. He pursued a career in combat sports and had a successful run as a professional kickboxer before transitioning to MMA. Adesanya joined the UFC in 2017 and quickly became a dominant force in the promotion, driven by his quest for glory.
Notably, Adesanya reigned as the UFC middleweight champion after defeating several legends on the roster. However, there are many intriguing details about the journey of this Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter in global MMA that are not widely known.
The story of ‘Last Stylebender’ goes beyond just fighting inside the octagon. As such, it also highlights the deep connection and support from his father, who played a significant role in paving the way for his remarkable achievements.
Who is Israel Adesanya’s father?
Israel Adesanya, the former two-time UFC middleweight champion, owes much of his success to the unwavering support of his father, Oluwafemi Adesanya. Interestingly, Izzy’s father is an accountant by profession. Despite being differences in profession, their bond is strong. As such, it is characterized by deep affection that Israel frequently expresses on social media, showcasing his gratitude for his parents.
Known as ‘The Last Stylebender,’ Izzy emphasizes the pivotal role his father plays in his MMA journey. The two always maintained an open line of communication, discussing strategies and insights about their lives. Israel is aware of his father’s support which paved the way for his rise to global fame. It has made their relationship not just one of family, but a powerful partnership built on mutual respect and love.
Does the ‘Last Stylebender’ come from a wealthy background?
While many UFC fighters come from humble beginnings, a few have had the privilege of growing up in affluent households. Among them is Arman Tsarukyan, and notably, Israel Adesanya also shares this background. Izzy is the eldest of four siblings, and enjoyed a unique childhood experience. As such, his family employed domestic staff who provided everything from household help to personal care.
Despite facing relentless trolling about his family’s wealth and lifestyle, Israel Adesanya never let it deter him. The most rewarding moment for him came when he could finally give back to his parents. However, given Oluwafemi Adesanya’s prominence in the field of accounting, Izzy revealed how he multiplied his wealth.
My father is a chartered accountant, he can’t be in my corner like that. So, I always say this, the UFC know what I get paid but they don’t know what I’m worth and that shoutout to my dad cuz (because) my dad is quadrupled my net worth.
Israel Adesanya via Demetrious Johnson’s podcast (Check from 42:20)
Israel, who is not shy about showboating, has frequently showcased his wealth through assets like supercars and jewelry. However, this has never affected his performance in the fight arena. Although he is currently on a poor run in the UFC, Izzy still has an impressive resume within the promotion. Nonetheless, due to his recent consecutive losses, Israel places significant value on his upcoming fights.
The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter is currently scheduled to face a rising UFC middleweight prospect named Nassourdine Imavov. This fight will headline the promotion’s second event in Saudi Arabia this weekend. As Izzy looks forward to proving his mettle to the world once again, it remains to be seen how he will fare against the Frenchman in just a few days.
Related: Why does Israel Adesanya hate Monster Energy? Is there a villain in this UFC lore?
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Nilaav Gogoi
(581 Articles Published)