At the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, an unusual encounter between Israel Adesanya and basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal captivated fans. The two met during the event, where Adesanya’s celebrated fight was also honored, showcasing a rare crossover between MMA and NBA personalities. This moment highlighted the growing connection between these sports and the mutual respect between the two athletes.
The Playful Exchange That Surprised Onlookers
During the red carpet interviews, Shaquille O’Neal approached Israel Adesanya from behind, catching the UFC champion off guard, an action few would dare given Adesanya’s formidable MMA record of 24-5. Reacting with humor and familiarity, Adesanya exclaimed,
“Oh my god, here we go.”
followed by his joke,
“Stone Cold Stunner!”
The moment ended with a friendly embrace, reflecting the camaraderie present at the event beyond competition.
Honoring a Legendary UFC Fight
Israel Adesanya’s inclusion in the UFC Hall of Fame was marked by the induction of his 2019 co-main event clash against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236, an encounter still revered for its intensity. Judges scored the fight 48-46 across three cards, awarding Adesanya the decision after a relentless battle on the feet. This fight now stands alongside other iconic UFC Hall of Fame bouts such as Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen and Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson, celebrating the sport’s greatest contests and athletes.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Role in Bridging MMA and NBA Worlds
Shaquille O’Neal’s ties to MMA date back decades, and his avid interest in the sport continues to influence both communities. At the ceremony, Shaq personally inducted his longtime friend and MMA legend Vitor Belfort into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing. Their story dates to 1996 during an offseason training camp in Hawaii, where Belfort’s surprising fan encounter with Shaq formed a lasting bond.
Vitor Belfort: From Fan to Friend and Hall of Famer
The moment Shaq was unexpectedly caught in a waist lock by Belfort sparked a memorable connection between the two. Shaq recalled his initial surprise:
“He’s strong as f— and I’m thinking ‘oh, f—, it’s about to go down.’”
The interaction quickly turned friendly as Belfort revealed his admiration, saying
“No, no, no. I just love you. I’m a fan of yours.”
This encounter is credited with introducing Shaquille O’Neal to the excitement of MMA, especially after watching Belfort’s rapid victory in an early fight, which Shaq described:
“We went to this event, and Vitor beat some big old dude. He beat that dude in like 15 seconds. I’m like, ‘What kind of sport is this?’”
A Symbolic Induction Strengthening Sports Connections
By honoring Belfort, Shaquille O’Neal reinforced the growing relationship between MMA fighters and NBA athletes, establishing a bridge of mutual admiration. This induction was a profound moment for Belfort, who moved from being a fan to a friend, now receiving one of the sport’s highest honors from Shaq himself. The event celebrated not only individual achievements but also the respect and inspiration shared across these sporting worlds.
Lasting Impact of the UFC Hall of Fame and Future Implications
The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony underlined the significance of recognizing iconic performances and contributions in MMA’s history. Israel Adesanya’s celebrated match against Kelvin Gastelum cements his legacy, while Shaquille O’Neal’s involvement highlights the crossover appeal and influence of the sport. As MMA continues to grow in mainstream popularity, encounters such as these promise to strengthen ties between different athletic communities, potentially leading to more collaborative events and shared audiences.