Israel Adesanya’s UFC debut was complete domination against a future PFL world champion.
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya got one of the biggest honors of his career last weekend at UFC 312. Six years after his instant classic showdown with Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236, the UFC announced the fight is the latest addition to the UFC Hall of Fame’s fight wing, and the two sides will enter the HOF during an International Fight Week ceremony this summer.
After back-to-back losses in the first losing skid of his career, Adesanya’s greatness might’ve been overshadowed by some of his recent struggles. Newer fans might not remember his dominant first middleweight title reign, which began with a vicious knockout of Robert Whittaker.
But before Adesanya reached his first title shot, he enjoyed a four-win calendar year in 2018, including a ferocious UFC debut against Rob Wilkinson. Adesanya’s performance stole the show on the UFC 221 prelims.
Israel Adesanya’s UFC Hall of Fame path began with a clinical debut
Adesanya’s debut drew many headlines leading up to UFC 221. But early on against Wilkinson, Adesanya faced the first adversity of his young MMA career.
Wilkinson mauled Adesanya with his clinching, landing some explosive shots to Adesanya’s midsection. Wilkinson’s wrestling pressure was unrelenting, but Adesanya was able to work out of several threatening takedowns and repeatedly work out of some precarious situations.
After Adesanya was able to finally get some separation midway through the first round, he got back to doing what he does best. He quickly bloodied Wilkinson’s face and rolled through another wrestling blitz from the Aussie.
A competitive first round had Wilkinson visibly gassed entering Round 2. Adesanya seized the opportunity in the second round, pressuring Wilkinson on the feet and forcing him on his back foot.
Adesanya eventually wore down Wilkinson and broke his nose with a knee. Midway through the round, Adesanya sealed the deal by drowning Wilkinson with precision striking.
Israel Adesanya set to team up with former rival ahead of UFC return?
After recent losses to UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya teased retirement but has since pivoted on that stance. Adesanya is expected to return to the Octagon later this year, and in the meantime, will seek counsel from a four-time rival.
Adesanya and Alex Pereira drew praise from fans when they were seen together cageside at UFC 312. At the end of the interactions, Pereira extended Adesanya an invite to train together, potentially before Pereira’s return at UFC 313.
Adesanya appeared to accept the invite and the two UFC superstars will likely team up ahead of the former middleweight champ’s next fight. Ahead of his last fight at UFC Saudi Arabia, Adesanya trained with Whittaker in a reunion that captivated fans and pundits.
Meanwhile, Adesanya and Wilkinson are now close friends seven years after their UFC 221 clash. Adesanya’s run to the UFC Hall of Fame might’ve fallen short without a dominant performance in his debut.