UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya ’s fast rise to stardom started a little more than two years ago. Accomplished kickboxer Adesanya (19-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) made his highly-anticipated promotional debut in February 2018 against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221. Wilkinson came in with the right strategy, catching one of Adesanya’s low kicks early and stacking him against the cage. Adesanya defended well, but Wilkinson was on him like glue. Adesanya was able to finally disengage just under two minutes left in the round, looking patient on the feet, throwing a few jabs and kicks from the outside. Wilkinson went right back to the takedown, and Adesanya used a beautiful roll to momentarily escape before getting stuffed right back to the cage.
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UFC free fight: Relive Israel Adesanya’s 2018 promotional debut – MMA Junkie