Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum Enter the UFC Hall of Fame!

The UFC Hall of Fame has inducted Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum, honoring their legendary interim middleweight title fight! The induction ceremony took place in Las Vegas, NV on June 27, 2025.

This unforgettable UFC 236 bout from 2019 between Israel Adesanya (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/israel-adesanya) and Kelvin Gastelum (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/kelvin-gastelum) now resides in the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. Let’s delve into why this fight was so special.

The Epic UFC 236 Clash

The induction ceremony, held during UFC International Fight Week, celebrated the unforgettable five-round war that captivated fans and cemented its place in mixed martial arts history. Many consider this epic clash one of the greatest fights ever in the Octagon. [Source needed]

Both Adesanya and Gastelum pushed themselves to their absolute limits in this back-and-forth battle. Ultimately, Israel Adesanya emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The fight was called “Fight of the Year” in 2019.

A Night of Respect and Reflection

At the induction, Adesanya and Gastelum displayed mutual respect, reflecting on the profound impact the fight had on their careers and lives. Adesanya, a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion, acknowledged the fight as a pivotal moment, highlighting the resilience of both fighters. According to his UFC profile (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/israel-adesanya), Adesanya has a record of 24-3-0, demonstrating his dominance in the sport.

Gastelum, while joking about feeling too young for such an honor, recognized the significance of the moment and the unbreakable bond forged during their grueling encounter. His UFC profile (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/kelvin-gastelum) shows a record of 18-9-0, 1NC, highlighting his own impressive career.

A Lasting Legacy

The induction serves as a testament to the fighters’ exceptional skill, unwavering heart, and relentless determination, solidifying their enduring legacy within the sport of mixed martial arts. The UFC rankings (https://www.ufc.com/rankings) continue to evolve, but the impact of Adesanya and Gastelum’s fight remains timeless.