Stylebender

Stylebender is an acclaimed documentary about charismatic, sometimes controversial MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Israel Adesanya. Award-winning director Zoe McIntosh (Lost in Wonderland) follows Adesanya as he defends his patch in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) after his 2019 middleweight title win. In this trailer Adesanya opens up about the bullying he experienced as a Nigerian immigrant in Aotearoa, and his early outlet in dance. He describes struggles to express himself authentically, and regulate his emotions as a man and athlete amidst the hype and noise of the MMA scene. 

Dancing helped me discover using your anger as fuel. Dancing in front of three people gives me anxiety. Fighting in front of millions of people doesn't do s**t to me.

– MMA fighter Israel Adesanya on how dancing helped him harness his talents

Key Cast & Crew

Tom Blackwell

Writer, Producer

Leela Menon

Producer

Fraser Brown

Producer

Peter Roberts

Editor

Brendan Donovan

Writer

Zoe McIntosh

Director, Writer