UFC 236's epic slugfest between Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum earns a well-deserved spot in the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame!
The UFC Hall of Fame has seen some incredible fights over the years. From Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar’s legendary season finale of The Ultimate Fighter 1 to Jones vs. Gustafsson’s unexpected war at UFC 165, these battles have shaped the sport. Now, another epic clash joins these immortal encounters, bringing with it memories of one of the most thrilling nights in UFC history.
Back in 2019 at UFC 236, headlined by Holloway vs. Poirier rematch, no one quite knew what to expect when Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum stepped into the octagon. Adesanya was the flashy kickboxer with perfect record, while Gastelum was the gritty Ultimate Fighter winner who had fought his way up from welterweight. Their styles couldn’t have been more different, but sometimes these contrasts create magic. And magic is exactly what happened at State Farm Arena in Atlanta that night.
In a fitting tribute at UFC 312 in Sydney, Dana White announced that the Adesanya-Gastelum war would enter the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. The bout, which saw both men push themselves to their absolute limits, earned its place alongside other legendary battles.
The announcement brought back memories of that electric April night when these two middleweights threw everything but the kitchen sink at each other. The fight had everything; knockdowns, comebacks, heart, and drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Kelvin Gastelum drew first blood, rocking Adesanya with a right hook that had fans wondering if the hype train was about to derail. But “The Last Stylebender” showed why he had become such a sensation, bouncing back with his own highlight reel moments. The back-and-forth battle saw Adesanya score a record-breaking three knockdowns in the final round alone. This was something no fighter had ever done in a UFC title fight’s fifth round.
After 25 minutes of non-stop action, Israel Adesanya emerged victorious by unanimous decision, claiming the interim middleweight title. But this was one of those rare fights where the term “winner” feels almost inadequate. Both men left pieces of themselves in that octagon, and both emerged as stars.
Israel Adesanya would go on to unify the title against Robert Whittaker and become one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Meanwhile Gastelum earned everyone’s respect with his incredible heart and determination. The fight won multiple Fight of the Year awards and showed exactly what mixed martial arts is all about. It wasn’t just about technique or power, it was about heart, determination, and the warrior spirit that defines this sport!
Now, as it enters the Hall of Fame, this fight stands as a testament to what happens when two fighters give absolutely everything they have in pursuit of glory. The induction ceremony this summer in Las Vegas will be a chance to relive this incredible battle and celebrate two fighters who gave fans a night fans will never forget!
(Image Credit: John David Mercer – Imagn Images)
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