By The UFC Hall of Fame Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum!
The UFC Hall of Fame Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum at LAS VEGAS, NV – June 27, 2025
The legendary interim middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 in 2019 has officially been enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing.
The induction ceremony, held last night as part of UFC International Fight Week, honored the unforgettable five-round war that captivated fans and cemented its place in mixed martial arts history.
The epic clash, widely regarded as one of the greatest fights ever witnessed in the Octagon, saw both men push themselves to their absolute limits in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw Israel Adesanya emerge victorious via unanimous decision. The fight was universally lauded as “Fight of the Year” in 2019.
Both Adesanya and Gastelum expressed immense respect for each other during the induction, highlighting the profound impact the fight had on their careers and lives. Adesanya, a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion, noted that the bout was one of the most important moments not just in his career, but in his life as a man, showcasing the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Gastelum, while joking about feeling too young for such an honor, acknowledged the special nature of the moment and the bond forged in that grueling contest.
The induction serves as a testament to the incredible display of skill, heart, and determination put forth by both fighters, solidifying their legacy in the sport’s highest pantheon.
