Israel Adesanya Recalls Darkest Phase of His Life: “That’s Why Sui*ide Happens”

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya talks about dealing with setbacks by reflecting his own experiences.

Israel Adesanya Recalls Darkest Phase of His Life: “That’s Why Sui*ide Happens”

Israel Adesanya talks about coping with setbacks (via SCMP)

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Mental health has become a crucial component of preparation in modern MMA, influencing performance and longevity at the elite level. Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has emerged as a leading figure in this discussion through consistent openness. He has repeatedly addressed mindset and emotional strain, and he recently revisited the topic while explaining how he processes setbacks.

Adesanya reached the pinnacle of the UFC during a run that established him as one of the promotion’s most marketable champions. His reign was built on technical dominance and a record against elite opposition. Victories over Alex Pereira, Yoel Romero, and Anderson Silva reinforced his reputation as an adaptable striker. At his peak, he appeared composed, confident, and largely untouchable in the Octagon.

However, Adesanya’s recent performances have significantly impacted perceptions of his legacy. He has lost his last three fights, beginning with his title defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. Losses to Dricus Du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov followed that setback. Both defeats ended by stoppage, marking a sharp contrast to earlier durability and leading to his recent reflections on personal adversity.

2013 was my worst one. Where I was like, ‘Man, is this how people feel before they commit su*cide.’ But I could never do that because my spirit is strong. Lots of people let go, and that’s why su*cide happens. Nothing last forever, if it rains the sun will shine again and when it rains, enjoy it you alive, you above ground. No matter what happens, nothing lasts forever, this is life.

Israel Adesanya via Bangtao Muay Thai

The difficult period Adesanya referenced dates back to 2013, during his full-time kickboxing career. While he remained professionally undefeated that year, momentum shifted soon after. In 2014, he suffered consecutive losses to Simon Marcus, which tested his confidence and sense of identity as a competitor. That same year, he also lost to Filip Verlinden in his promotional debut with Glory Kickboxing.

Throughout his career, Adesanya has been vocal about long-standing mental health challenges beyond competition results. He has spoken factually about being bullied during his youth and how those experiences shaped his self-image. In 2023, he further documented his struggles by releasing a personal documentary. The project premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and explored identity and emotional growth.

These struggles became most visible during the UFC 305 press conference, where ‘Stylebender’ broke down emotionally during an exchange with Dricus Du Plessis. The moment reflected accumulated strain rather than a single loss. Israel Adesanya’s recent comments underscored how sustained pressure impacts elite athletes and highlighted the growing need to address mental health openly within combat sports.

Israel Adesanya reveals the best performance of his career

Israel Adesanya has built a dominant combat sports career spanning more than a decade, dating back to his professional beginnings in 2010. Across mixed martial arts and kickboxing, he has defeated multiple former champions and elite contenders. The Nigerian-born athlete has achieved championship success in both the UFC and Glory Kickboxing, competing at the highest level in both disciplines.

Israel Adesanya dismantling Paulo Costa at UFC 253
Israel Adesanya dismantling Paulo Costa at UFC 253 (via MMA Fighting)

One of Adesanya’s most memorable performances came against Paulo Costa at UFC 253. Fighting as the reigning champion, he controlled the contest through footwork, timing, and precise striking. Costa was repeatedly neutralized before being finished in the second round. The dominance of that victory recently led Adesanya to revisit the fight when discussing which performance he considers the best of his career.

That Costa one was perfect because I think that’s my cleanest work take zero damage and do all the damage. I think that’s technically my cleanest work. But if you go back to King of the Ring or kickboxing, I have a few as well. But when we’re talking about the UFC, I think the Costa fight. To be honest, that was satisfying. The ‘Poatan’ one, that’s the trilogy and the story for years when I was like, ‘I can beat this guy’ but he always beats me, and I finally got him. That was really satisfying, but I’d say – Nah, the Costa one was sweet.

Israel Adesanya via Bangtao Muay Thai

Costa’s status underscores the broader significance of that fight at the time. The Brazilian star entered the matchup undefeated in the UFC and was viewed as one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders. The ease with which Israel Adesanya neutralized his offense undoubtedly reshaped expectations around the middleweight landscape.

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