Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has expressed his gratitude after his thrilling 2019 showdown with Kelvin Gastelum was selected for induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.
The five-round war at UFC 236, which saw Adesanya claim the interim middleweight title via unanimous decision, will be enshrined in the Fight Wing as part of the class of 2025, joining legendary bouts like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar and Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen.
“Very grateful,” Adesanya told The Mac Life in Sydney. “I knew that was a special fight, a historic moment in combat sports. It takes two to tango, and Kelvin was a great dance partner.”
Reflecting on his famous words before the final round, where he declared he was ready to “die” in the octagon, Adesanya said it was the most intense moment of his career.
“I meant every word,” he admitted. “I wasn’t afraid—I was ready to give everything. And Gastelum was just as tough.”
UFC CEO Dana White praised the bout as one of the greatest in the sport’s history, calling it an unforgettable war.
The official induction ceremony is set to take place this summer in Las Vegas.
