On April 13, 2019, the MMA world witnessed one of the greatest fights in UFC history when Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum clashed for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 236. This five-round war showcased skill, resilience, and championship grit, leaving fans in awe and proving that both fighters were among the best in the division.
Let’s take a deep dive into Adesanya vs. Gastelum, breaking down the build-up, the fight itself, and its lasting impact on the UFC.
The Road to UFC 236: Why This Fight Happened
The interim title fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum came about due to unforeseen circumstances. The undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker, was scheduled to defend his belt against Gastelum at UFC 234 but was forced to withdraw due to a serious hernia and collapsed bowel. With Whittaker sidelined indefinitely, the UFC decided to introduce an interim title.
Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (16-0 at the time)
Adesanya was on a meteoric rise in the UFC. After making his debut in 2018, he had won five fights in just one year, defeating top contenders like Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, and Anderson Silva. His striking, movement, and fight IQ made him one of the most exciting new stars in MMA.
The fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 234 was particularly special, as it was seen as a passing of the torch from one legendary striker to another. After that win, Adesanya was granted a shot at the interim title against Gastelum.
Kelvin “The Mini Cain” Gastelum (15-3, 1 NC at the time)
Gastelum had been proving himself in the middleweight division despite originally being a welterweight. He had notable victories over Michael Bisping and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, showing his knockout power and durability. His wrestling, boxing, and pressure made him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
With Whittaker out, Gastelum was eager to prove he deserved gold, and the UFC booked him against Adesanya for the interim middleweight title at UFC 236.
UFC 236: Adesanya vs. Gastelum – A Five-Round Classic
From the moment the fight started, fans knew they were in for something special. Both fighters brought elite-level striking, heart, and championship resilience to the Octagon.
Round 1: Gastelum’s Aggression Surprises Adesanya
Gastelum came out aggressive, closing the distance and landing powerful punches. He rocked Adesanya early with a left hook, surprising many who expected Adesanya to dominate the striking exchanges.
Adesanya, known for his defensive movement, had trouble dealing with Gastelum’s pressure and speed. Gastelum won the first round, showing he was there to fight.
Round 2: Adesanya Finds His Rhythm
After a tough first round, Adesanya made adjustments. He started using his footwork and counterstriking, landing precise jabs and straight right hands.
Midway through the round, Adesanya dropped Gastelum with a beautifully timed right hand. This momentum shift showed that Adesanya could still hurt Gastelum despite the early pressure.
By the end of the round, it was clear that Adesanya had found his groove, making it 1-1 on most scorecards.
Round 3: A Striking Masterclass by Adesanya
Adesanya continued to pick apart Gastelum at range, landing crisp combinations and using his signature feints. He dropped Gastelum again with a sharp counterpunch, showing his superior striking skills.
Gastelum, though tough as ever, struggled to land clean shots, and his face started showing the damage from Adesanya’s pinpoint accuracy.
Round 4: Gastelum’s Comeback – The Head Kick That Changed Everything
Just when it seemed like Adesanya was taking over, Gastelum landed a massive head kick, wobbling Adesanya badly. This was the most significant strike of the fight, and it nearly turned the tide in Gastelum’s favor.
With Adesanya hurt, Gastelum pressed forward, throwing bombs and trying to finish the fight. However, Adesanya weathered the storm and survived the round, setting up an epic final frame.
Round 5: Adesanya’s Championship Moment – “I’m Ready to Die”
Going into the final round, the fight was dead even. Whoever won Round 5 would win the interim title.
Adesanya knew what was at stake, and he delivered a legendary championship performance. He came out aggressive, landing a brutal elbow and uppercut that dropped Gastelum.
Not once, not twice, but three times, Adesanya knocked Gastelum down, dominating the round. He even attempted a tight guillotine choke and a triangle submission, showcasing his underrated ground game.
By the end of the round, Gastelum was barely hanging on, bloodied and exhausted, while Adesanya stood tall.
The Aftermath: Adesanya Becomes Interim Middleweight Champion
The judges scored the fight in favor of Israel Adesanya (48-46, 48-46, 49-45), making him the new UFC Interim Middleweight Champion.
This victory solidified Adesanya as a true championship-level fighter. He later went on to face Robert Whittaker at UFC 243, where he won the undisputed UFC Middleweight Championship in dominant fashion.
What Made This Fight Special?
- One of the Greatest Fights Ever – Many consider Adesanya vs. Gastelum the best middleweight fight in UFC history, featuring momentum swings, knockdowns, and elite skill.
- Adesanya Proved His Heart – Known for his striking, Adesanya showed he could survive adversity and fight through tough moments.
- Gastelum’s Toughness – Despite being outmatched in the final round, Gastelum never gave up and proved he belonged among the elite.
- “I’m Ready to Die” – Adesanya’s mentality in the fifth round, where he told himself he was “ready to die” to win, has become legendary.
Where Are They Now?
Israel Adesanya’s Legacy
After this fight, Adesanya dominated the middleweight division, defeating fighters like Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and Jared Cannonier. He had two classic fights against Alex Pereira, reclaiming his title in a stunning knockout at UFC 287.
Kelvin Gastelum’s Struggles
Gastelum, unfortunately, struggled after UFC 236. He suffered losses to Darren Till, Jack Hermansson, and Robert Whittaker, moving him further away from title contention. However, he remains one of the most respected warriors in the division.
Final Thoughts: A Fight That Defined Two Careers
UFC 236: Adesanya vs. Gastelum was a fight that will forever be remembered in MMA history. It was a battle that showcased the heart of a champion and the resilience of a warrior.
For Adesanya, it was the moment he proved he was not just a flashy striker but a true champion. For Gastelum, it was a display of unbreakable toughness, even in defeat.
Years later, fans still look back at this fight as a masterpiece of MMA storytelling, a fight where both men pushed each other to the absolute limit.
What do you think? Is this the greatest middleweight fight ever? Let us know in the comments!
