Israel Adesanya: Becoming World Champion Was The Lowest Day Of My Life

In this episode, host Stephen Bartlett talks with Israel Adesanya, the UFC middleweight champion, about his life journey starting from Nigeria to achieving success in mixed martial arts. Adesanya reflects on his childhood and the cultural shock he experienced moving to New Zealand, where he realized his race and faced challenges regarding identity. He discusses his struggles with mental health, particularly after significant fights, emphasizing the importance of therapy and learning to manage self-doubt and pressure. The conversation delves into Adesanya's approach to fame, making clear he values authenticity over public persona. They touch on personal experiences and the expectations placed upon them, discussing how those expectations often lead to unhappiness when unmet. Adesanya elaborates on his commitment to creating a meaningful legacy, not just through his athletic achievements but also by positively impacting others around him. He underscores the value of maintaining close relationships to keep grounded amid his success and passion for supporting those in need in understated ways. The episode also reveals Adesanya's philosophy on life, spontaneity, and navigating the fame that comes with his accomplishments, leading to a conversation about happiness, fulfillment, and the pursuit of one's passion.