Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” is not just a formidable force in the octagon; he is also one of the wealthiest mixed martial artists in the world. His journey from a young kickboxer to a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion has been nothing short of remarkable.
In this article, we will explore Israel Adesanya’s net worth, his career achievements, and the various income streams that contribute to his financial success.
What is Israel Adesanya Net Worth?
Israel Adesanya’s net worth is $5 million. This impressive figure reflects his extensive career in combat sports, including kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Adesanya began his professional career in kickboxing, where he amassed a record of 75 wins and 5 losses, including 29 knockouts. Transitioning to MMA, he has maintained a stellar record of 24 wins and 3 losses, with 16 knockouts to his name. His rise through the ranks of the UFC has significantly boosted his earnings, particularly as he transitioned from earning a modest $50,000 per fight to a staggering $3.18 million for his recent bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 287.
Breakdown of Earnings
Fight Purses: Adesanya’s fight purses have seen substantial growth over the years. His first major payday came during his fight against Paulo Costa in 2020, where he earned approximately $1.5 million. For his UFC 305 fight against Dricus Du Plessis, he could earn around $2 million, regardless of the fight’s outcome.
Endorsements: Beyond his fight earnings, Adesanya has secured lucrative endorsement deals. In 2020, Adesanya became the first MMA athlete to secure a sponsorship deal with Puma, alongside partnerships with Engage, a fight equipment supplier, and PRIME, the hydration drink brand co-founded by Jake Paul and Logan Paul. He also served as an ambassador for Stake.com in early 2021.
Social Media and Streaming: Adesanya has a significant presence on social media platforms, particularly YouTube, where he streams gameplay from various video games. This engagement not only strengthens his fan base but also provides additional income through sponsorships and ad revenue.
Career Highlights
Israel Adesanya‘s mixed martial arts (MMA) career has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant achievements and a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting fighters. Here’s a comprehensive overview of his career from its inception to August 2024.
Early Career
Adesanya began his combat sports journey in kickboxing at the age of 18. He trained at City Kickboxing in New Zealand, where he quickly rose to prominence, compiling an impressive amateur record of 32-0. He transitioned to professional kickboxing, competing under promotions like King in the Ring and GLORY, and developed a notable rivalry with Alex Pereira.
In 2012, Adesanya made his professional MMA debut, defeating James Griffiths by TKO. He followed this with another TKO victory over John Vake but then took a two-year hiatus from MMA. He returned in 2015, winning against Song Kenan by TKO, and built an early record of 8-0 while fighting primarily in the Chinese and Oceanian circuits.
During this time, he captured the AFC Middleweight Championship and the Hex Fight Series Middleweight Championship.
UFC Career
Adesanya signed with the UFC in December 2017 and made his debut on February 11, 2018, at UFC 221, where he defeated Rob Wilkinson by TKO in the second round. This victory earned him the Performance of the Night bonus. He continued to impress with wins over notable fighters:
- Brad Tavares: Won by unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale (July 6, 2018).
- Derek Brunson: TKO victory at UFC 230 (November 3, 2018).
- Anderson Silva: Unanimous decision win at UFC 234 (February 10, 2019), earning Fight of the Night honors.
In April 2019, Adesanya faced Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 236, winning by unanimous decision in a thrilling contest. He then claimed the undisputed title by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 later that year.
Adesanya successfully defended his title multiple times:
- Yoel Romero: Unanimous decision win at UFC 248 (March 7, 2020).
- Paulo Costa: TKO victory at UFC 253 (September 26, 2020).
In 2021, he moved up to light heavyweight to challenge Jan Błachowicz for the title but lost by unanimous decision, marking his first professional defeat. He returned to middleweight, reclaiming his title by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, via KO.
Recent Developments
Adesanya faced Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on September 10, 2023, where he lost his middleweight championship in a unanimous decision, marking his second consecutive defeat. Subsequently, he fought Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024. In this match, Adesanya lost by submission, further complicating his path back to title contention.
Career Record
As of August 2024, Adesanya’s professional MMA record stands at 24 wins and 3 losses. His accolades include being a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion and earning multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses throughout his career.
Conclusion
Israel Adesanya’s net worth is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent in the world of combat sports. As he continues to compete and expand his brand through endorsements and social media, his financial success is likely to grow even further. Whether you’re a fan of MMA or just curious about the financial aspects of professional fighters, Adesanya’s journey offers valuable insights into the potential rewards of a career in sports.
