UFC Star Israel Adesanya Hilariously Mistaken for Rapper ‘Iggy Azalea’

Rideshare driver mistakes two-time UFC champion Israel Adesanya for popular Australian rapper Iggy Azalea during cab ride.

UFC Star Israel Adesanya Hilariously Mistaken for Rapper ‘Iggy Azalea’

Israel Adesanya mistaken for Iggy Azalea (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

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Public figures often find themselves in unexpected viral moments, and the latest to make headlines is a well-known UFC star caught in an amusing case of mistaken identity. A recent video featuring Israel Adesanya quickly spread online after a mix-up involving his name led to a surprising and comical misunderstanding involving Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.

Adesanya is one of the UFC’s most recognizable athletes and has built a reputation as a two-time middleweight champion known for his precision striking and dynamic personality. He is known for his widespread internet presence and YouTube podcast ‘FREESTYLEBENDER‘. However, Azalea, known for her chart-topping hits, has little in common with the MMA star beyond some Oceanian connections.

In the video, Adesanya is seen riding in the back of a taxi (or rideshare). The mix-up unfolded during a casual car ride when the driver, recognizing Adesanya as someone famous, confidently guessed that the passenger was Azalea due to their similar names and initials. However, Adesanya played it off as a joke, asked the driver what his name was, and acknowledged their shared Oceanian heritage on X.

For Adesanya, the lighthearted moment arrived amid a busy period in his professional career. After experiencing a defeat earlier in 2025 at the hands of #2-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov, the former champion has remained focused on his return to top form, with discussions continuing about his next potential opponent and plans inside the Octagon.

His reign as champion came to an unexpected halt in September 2023 when he lost the title to Sean Strickland in a one-sided decision that shocked the MMA world. Attempts to reclaim his position at the top have since fallen short, including a hard-fought defeat to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305, marking a significant shift in Adesanya’s once-unshakable dominance inside the Octagon.

The viral mix-up between Israel Adesanya and Iggy Azalea highlighted two very different Australian success stories. One has made her mark on the global music charts, while the other has dominated the UFC Octagon. Despite their vastly different arenas, both continue to capture attention worldwide, underscoring their prominence in international pop culture.

Fans react to Israel Adesanya getting mistaken for Iggy Azalea

Fans quickly took to social media to joke about the unusual mix-up between Israel Adesanya and Iggy Azalea. Many found humor in the fact that a world-class UFC fighter could be mistaken for a pop star, creating memes and playful posts that circulated widely online. The video sparked lighthearted commentary, with users pointing out the sheer absurdity of the comparison.

Israel Adesanya Iggy Azalea
Israel Adesanya Iggy Azalea (via MMA Fighting, Variety)

Alongside the jokes, some fans expressed confusion about Adesanya’s nationality. While the post referred to him as Australian, many reminded viewers that he is actually tied to New Zealand, having built much of his MMA career there. This led to discussions that highlighted the differences between the two countries, adding another layer of curiosity to the viral moment. Here are some fan reactions:

A portion of the audience viewed the moment as a reminder of Adesanya’s cultural presence beyond the Octagon. Even in a period marked by recent losses, fans recognized that he continues to draw attention globally, showing that viral moments can reinforce an athlete’s visibility and influence in popular culture.

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