Israel Adesanya has claimed gold at the highest level in MMA — now, the two-time UFC champion is being recognized outside of it.
Adesanya finally got his revenge against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 this past weekend, knocking out the Brazilian, who had held a 3-0 record against him in combat sports to start the night. Two wins in kickboxing, and capturing Adesanya’s middleweight title last November, had it seeming as if Pereira had Izzy’s number — but “The Last Stylebender” put the doubters to rest, putting away Pereira towards the end of the second round.
Following the win, Pereira was recognized near universally as one of the most electrifying talents in the sport today. The Nigerian-born champ, who lives and trains in New Zealand, has now been recognized by the government of his homeland as well.
Late Wednesday, Adesanya posted a letter of recognition received from the High Commissioner for Nigeria, dated April 12, on his social media. The letter reads as follows:
Dear Israel,
On behalf of the Government and the people of Nigeria, my family, and staff of the mission, I have the honor to congratulate you on your remarkable achievement on Sunday, 9th April 2023 to regain the UFC middleweight title. It was an amazing achievement befitting the Nigerian spirit and your incredible attitude of never giving up.
I note with pride that you entered the UFC in 2018 and won the middleweight belt just a year later and you have also successfully defended the title five times to become one of the sport’s key personalities. You have therefore distinguished yourself as a role model and a shining light for many aspiring young Nigerians through this outstanding achievement which will be imprinted in the sand of history. I am therefore very positive that you will use this unique accomplishment as a catalyst for greater achievements in your service to humanity.
While congratulating you again on this feat, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and best wishes.
The letter is signed by Ambassador Anderson N. Madubike, High Commissioner, and looks like something that would look very cool framed and mounted next to Israel Adesanya’s trophy case.
🦅🇳🇬✨ pic.twitter.com/airHROuolA
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 13, 2023
