Israel Adesanya was known for his mastery inside the octagon, but faced challenges managing the daily aspects of life outside of fighting.
During his rise through the UFC ranks, which led to winning the middleweight title twice, Adesanya focused on equipping himself to handle the increasing pressures and the inevitable aftermath of competing at the highest level of MMA. In a recent appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Adesanya highlighted two crucial tools that aided his mental well-being: psychedelics and therapy.
Regarding his fight against Alex Pereira in Miami, Adesanya mentioned using three “macro `shroom trips” in the shower to achieve intense focus. He described this as a unique experience, not delving too deeply, but allowing him to feel a profound connection to himself. He even recalled writing a phrase on his mirror about achieving “the greatest comeback in UFC history.”
Adesanya acknowledged his use of psychedelics, explaining that he periodically likes to alter his state of consciousness to gain different perspectives and remove mental barriers. He noted the vulnerability involved and added that even edibles could facilitate deep introspection and self-discovery when combined with meditation, helping to unpack accumulated issues.
Adesanya did not specify exactly when he used mushrooms during the week of UFC 287, where he aimed to win back the middleweight title from Alex Pereira, who had taken it from him at UFC 281. This marked their fourth meeting overall (including two kickboxing bouts and their first MMA match), but Adesanya finally secured a victory over his longtime adversary with a second-round knockout.
Long before that pivotal fight, Adesanya had sought therapy to support him through his UFC journey. Following a successful promotional debut in February 2018, where he earned a six-figure sum plus a $50k bonus with a knockout of Rob Wilkinson, he quickly felt something was missing despite the achievement and sought professional help.
Recalling his return home after the debut, Adesanya explained that despite earning significantly and feeling “on top of the world,” he would then experience a severe emotional crash, which he initially found confusing and felt guilty about. He questioned why he felt sad or depressed after such a success.
He came to realize this pattern was linked to the sudden absence of external stimulus – the attention, cameras, and excitement – when he returned to the quiet of his home. He compared it to the crash after a coffee high, but affecting his spirit.
Adesanya won his first five fights in the UFC, including a decision against the legendary Anderson Silva. He then won an acclaimed fight against Kelvin Gastelum (soon to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame) for the interim middleweight title. He unified the belts by knocking out champion Robert Whittaker and went on to defend his title five consecutive times.
Even during his reign, he credits therapy with keeping him grounded and preventing extreme emotional swings after his bouts.
Adesanya stated that the techniques learned from his therapist were essential for handling the post-fight period, teaching him how to ground himself and return to his routine rather than dwelling in unexplained despair at home.
He emphasized that he has always known there is more to life than fighting and has maintained this perspective to avoid becoming one of those athletes who, past their prime, struggle to leave the sport, constantly craving “one more” fight or the “hit” of the spotlight to which some become addicted.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely