Israel Adesanya | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Added: Feb 28, 2024
In this podcast episode, Theo Von interviews Israel Adesanya, a UFC fighter and kickboxer from New Zealand. He is known for his impressive run as a UFC champion and his unique perspective on life. He shares his experiences and insights on fame, success, and personal growth throughout the podcast.Key takeaways
Adesanya emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-confidence in defining one's worth beyond external achievements.
Adesanya sees the potential for UFC in Africa, believing fighters like himself have paved the way for future champions.
Support from family and teammates, along with loyalty, plays a crucial role in Adesanya's life and career.
Adesanya values genuine connections with fans and strives to make people feel seen and appreciated.
Adesanya emphasizes the importance of mental health, therapy, and setting boundaries for personal growth and well-being.
Early Life and Background
Adesanya was born and raised in Lagos City, Nigeria, in a family that was relatively well-off. Despite his family's financial status, he was taught the value of hard work and responsibility. His father, a chartered accountant, played a significant role in guiding him on financial matters and investments. He credits his father for helping him make wise financial decisions and avoid being taken advantage of in the industry.
Transition to New Zealand
Adesanya moved to New Zealand at a young age and faced challenges fitting in due to being one of the few black individuals in his community. He used dance as a way to express himself and gain acceptance among his peers. His upbringing in Nigeria and his experiences in New Zealand shaped his perspective on identity, culture, and belonging.
Career and Success
Adesanya's career as a fighter took off in New Zealand, where he honed his skills and eventually made a name for himself in the UFC. He became known for his entertaining fighting style and his ability to connect with fans. His success in the UFC was not just about winning titles but also about how he carried himself as a champion. He emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and self-awareness in defining one's worth beyond external achievements.
Challenges of Fame
As Adesanya's fame grew, he faced challenges with boundaries and privacy. He shares his experiences of being approached by fans at all hours and feeling overwhelmed by the constant attention. He learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for himself to recharge and maintain his mental well-being. He also discusses the pressure of living up to expectations and the need to balance personal and professional life.
Cultural Influence of Nigeria
Adesanya reflects on the cultural influence of Nigeria and how it has shaped his identity. He mentions the rise of Afrobeat music and Nigerian fashion trends that have gained global popularity. Despite the positive aspects of his culture, he also acknowledges the challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in terms of government corruption and economic instability. He expresses a deep love for his culture and heritage while recognizing the need for change and progress in his home country.
Personal Growth and Mentorship
Adesanya shares his journey of personal growth and learning from his mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance, particularly from his father, in making sound decisions and navigating the complexities of the fighting industry. His willingness to learn from his experiences and seek advice from trusted individuals has been instrumental in his success and development as a fighter and a person.
The Potential for UFC in Africa
Adesanya mentions the potential for UFC to start a fight center in Africa, which he sees as a significant development. He feels a strong connection to Africa and believes that fighters like himself, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou have paved the way for future African champions.
Adesanya reflects on his journey in MMA and how he had to overcome challenges and stereotypes to pursue his passion for fighting. He talks about the talent he has seen in Africa and the potential for the sport to grow in the continent. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of fighters and believes that African fighters have the potential to make a significant impact in the MMA world.
The Importance of Support
Adesanya highlights the importance of loyalty and family in his life, particularly his gym and the support he receives from his teammates. He mentions the camaraderie and bond he shares with fellow fighters like Dan Hooker and Kai Kara-France. Adesanya expresses his love for meeting new people and experiencing different cultures, noting the excitement of traveling to new places and connecting with diverse audiences.
Appreciation for New Zealand
The conversation touches on Adesanya's experience in New Zealand and his appreciation for the laid-back and individualistic culture of the country. He reflects on the unique qualities of New Zealand and how it has shaped his perspective on life. He mentions his plans to explore more of the country, particularly the South Island, in the future.
Continuous Improvement
Adesanya expresses his passion for fighting and the drive to constantly improve his skills. He discusses the importance of individuality and highlights the ongoing learning process in his career. He mentions working on refining his techniques, such as his jab, and the desire to showcase his grappling skills in future fights. He acknowledges that he has not yet mastered the game and remains committed to evolving as a fighter.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
Adesanya opens up about moments of vulnerability and authenticity in his career. He recalls a viral video where he gave a heartfelt speech after winning an award, showcasing a different side of his personality. He values genuine connections with fans and strives to make people feel seen and appreciated. He discusses the importance of being true to oneself while navigating the challenges of fame and public perception.
Self-awareness and Perspective
Adesanya emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and perspective in shaping one's life. He discusses how the story we tell ourselves influences our outlook on life and how he consciously works on changing his perspective to stay positive and focused. He shares personal anecdotes about how he approaches situations with a positive mindset, whether it's dealing with fans at the airport or preparing for a fight.
Memorable Moments in UFC
Adesanya recalls memorable moments in his UFC career, such as walking out with Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. He describes the significance of these moments and how they contribute to the history of combat sports. He also reflects on his own growth and evolution as a fighter, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing opportunities.
Overcoming Jealousy
Adesanya opens up about the challenges he faced in his career, including dealing with jealousy and envy towards successful friends. He shares how he learned to overcome these negative emotions by practicing self-reflection and choosing to be happy for others. He emphasizes the importance of unlearning negative behaviors and constantly striving for personal growth.
Adventures and Adrenaline
Adesanya talks about his love for adrenaline-inducing activities like skydiving and golf. He shares his experiences trying new things and pushing himself out of his comfort zone. He explains how these activities help him stay grounded and maintain a sense of excitement and adventure in his life.
Mental Health
Adesanya touches on the impact of media scrutiny on mental health, highlighting the lack of accountability in the media. He shares his own struggles with feeling overwhelmed by public attention and the importance of protecting his mental well-being. He emphasizes the need for privacy and self-care in the face of constant media scrutiny.
Adesanya shares his experience with therapy and the impact it has had on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right therapist who genuinely cares about your well-being and growth. He encourages people to explore different therapists and find someone who aligns with their needs and goals.
Ayahuasca and Spiritual Growth
Adesanya expresses his interest in trying ayahuasca as a means of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. He discusses the potential benefits of plant medicine in gaining clarity and insight into one's life. He reflects on the importance of taking time for self-care and introspection.
Struggles With People-Pleasing
Adesanya talks about his struggles with people-pleasing and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. He shares his experiences of learning to prioritize his own well-being and not compromising his values for the sake of others. Adesanya emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-respect in all relationships.
Future Endeavors
Adesanya shares his plans for the future, including exploring opportunities in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. He mentions turning down acting roles to focus on his fighting career but expresses interest in creating his own production company. He envisions developing unique characters and stories, potentially in the anime genre, and collaborating with talented individuals to bring his creative ideas to life. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on his fighting goals while exploring new avenues for creative expression.
