Israel Adesanya To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame Today

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame today, as his unforgettable 2019 bout against Kelvin Gastelum is added to the promotion’s prestigious Fight Wing. The ceremony takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

Their five-round war at UFC 236—an interim middleweight title clash won by Adesanya via unanimous decision—joins a revered list of historic contests, including Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar and Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, as part of the UFC’s 2025 Hall of Fame class.

Proceeds from the event will go to the UFC Foundation, as the organisation honours its most iconic figures and moments.

Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria but represents New Zealand, reflected on the honour earlier in February, telling The Mac Life, “Very grateful. I knew that was a special fight, a special moment in combat sports history. I even said on camera at the time, ‘Hey Kelvin, that was us’—because it takes two to tango. That man can salsa.”

One of the most iconic moments from the fight came before the fifth round, when Adesanya told his corner he was willing to die in the octagon. “That was the realest moment I think I’ve ever had in the cage,” he said. “I meant every single word of it. In that moment, I wasn’t scared of death. I just thought, ‘If this is how I go out, then so be it—but I’m going to die trying.’”

UFC CEO Dana White praised the fight as one of the greatest he’s ever seen. “This was an absolute war with the interim title on the line. Congrats to Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum on a fight that will always be remembered!” he said.

Gastelum, who remains active in the UFC’s middleweight division, also reflected on the fight’s lasting impact. “This fight happened six years ago, and I still get so many callbacks and compliments about it,” he posted on X. “I find it funny ‘cause this feels like something that happens to old people. Thirteen years in this game and people think I’m done. Far from it.”

The UFC Hall of Fame, which recognizes key contributors to the sport since its founding in 1993, includes four categories: Pioneers, Modern Era, Fight Wing, and Contributors. With this induction, Adesanya and Gastelum’s legendary battle is now officially part of MMA history.