Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame today, Thursday, as his legendary UFC 236 showdown against Kelvin Gastelum takes its rightful place in the Fight Wing.
The induction ceremony will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, celebrating what UFC President Dana White has described as “an absolute war” and “one of the greatest fights of all time.”
A Fight for the Ages
Their five-round thriller in April 2019, which saw Adesanya crowned the interim UFC middleweight champion via unanimous decision, has become etched in MMA history for its intensity, heart, and technical brilliance. The fight showcased Adesanya’s resilience as he battled through adversity, including a dramatic final round in which he famously declared:
“I’m prepared to die.”
Speaking to The Mac Life when the induction was first announced, Adesanya reflected:
“Very grateful. I knew that was a special fight, a special moment in combat sports history. It takes two to tango. That man [Gastelum] can salsa.”
Legacy Cemented
The induction places their bout alongside other classics like Griffin vs. Bonnar and Silva vs. Sonnen, as part of the UFC Hall of Fame’s 2025 class. The Hall of Fame includes four categories:
-
Pioneers
-
Modern Era
-
Fight Wing
-
Contributors
Adesanya vs. Gastelum joins the Fight Wing, reserved for legendary battles that define the sport’s spirit and impact.
Gastelum’s Tribute
Kelvin Gastelum, who remains an active UFC fighter, also took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect:
“This fight happened six years ago, and I still get so many callbacks and compliments… 13 years in this game, and people think I’m done. Far from it.”
Giving Back
All proceeds from the Hall of Fame ceremony will go to the UFC Foundation, supporting underserved communities through sports initiatives.
With this induction, both fighters’ legacies are permanently enshrined in MMA history, marking one of the sport’s most unforgettable chapters.
