Nigerian-born UFC superstar, Israel Adesanya, has shared insights into his journey to becoming a professional fighter, while advising up-and-coming athletes to chart their own unique courses rather than emulating his.
Speaking at a service at the Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos, Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” revealed that his initial motivation to fight stemmed from a need to defend himself. Over time, as he honed his skills, he realized that a career in fighting was his calling. “I was just standing up for myself. It was what it took to learn how to fight and eventually, I realized I was good at it and I took it as a career and it worked out well so far,” Adesanya said.
Dressed in the traditional Celestial garment, Adesanya emphasized the significant role that faith has played in his life and career. He highlighted the importance of trusting oneself and a higher power, saying, “Faith is something you have to have in this life. You can’t walk by sight, you have to walk by faith. Faith has guided me a lot through my life and not just my career alone.”
The UFC star also paid tribute to his father, whose support was pivotal in his decision to pursue fighting professionally.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring athletes, Adesanya urged them to avoid merely following in his footsteps. Instead, he encouraged them to draw inspiration from his journey and use it to forge their own paths. “Don’t try and follow in my footsteps. I’d say create your path. Get inspiration from someone like myself and what I have done and use it to further yourself in your own life,” he advised.
Adesanya’s recent visit to Lagos, where he received a hero’s welcome despite his recent loss at UFC 305 to South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis, has been a mix of celebration and reflection. The fight, held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, marked the first-ever UFC title clash between two African fighters and was of significant historical importance. Despite the loss, Adesanya earned more than the reigning champion, securing $750,000 compared to Du Plessis’s $500,000.
During his stay in Lagos, Adesanya was also seen enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife, sharing glimpses of his outings on social media, which sparked widespread attention.
Adesanya’s message to aspiring athletes is clear: while his journey is inspirational, true success comes from carving out one’s own destiny.
