Israel Adesanya, born on 22 July 1989, is a Nigerian-New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, former kickboxer, and boxer. Competing in the Middleweight division of the UFC, he is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion and a top-ranked fighter in the division as of January 2024.
Adesanya previously challenged for the Glory Middleweight Championship in kickboxing, showcasing his versatile fighting skills across multiple combat sports. Known for his striking ability and charisma, he has become a prominent figure in global mixed martial arts.
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Table of Contents
Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth
Israel Adesanya has a net worth of $4 million and made history in September 2020 as the first mixed martial artist to sign a sponsorship deal with Puma. His life story debuted in June 2023 at the Tribeca Film Festival in the documentary Stylebender.
Adesanya often shares joyrides in his $350,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV on his YouTube channel, FreeStyleBender. His manager, Tim Simpson, recently expressed Adesanya’s disappointment at missing a chance to fight on one of the biggest UFC cards of the year.
Early life
Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, as the eldest of five children to Oluwafemi, an accountant, and Taiwo, a nurse. In 1999, his family moved to Rotorua, New Zealand for better educational opportunities, where he attended Rotorua Boys’ High School.
He discovered a passion for martial arts later, after being inspired by anime and Prince Naseem Hamed. Adesanya initially pursued a degree in Computer Design but switched to kickboxing at 18, amassing a 32–1 amateur record. At 21, he moved to Auckland to train in MMA under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing.
Career
Israel Adesanya began his kickboxing career with a 32-0 amateur record before going pro, winning his first seven matches. He claimed victory in the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament but lost a controversial decision for the Glory Middleweight Championship against Jason Wilnis.
Adesanya moved to MMA in 2012, debuting in the UFC in 2018 and quickly rising to win the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2019. He defended his title multiple times but lost his first MMA bout against Jan Błachowicz. Adesanya also briefly competed in boxing, winning the Super 8 Boxing Tournament in New Zealand.
Personal life
Israel Adesanya is multilingual and fluent in Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, and English. Before fighting, he was a competitive dancer in New Zealand and showcased this passion with a choreographed UFC walkout.
An avid anime fan, Adesanya’s nickname, “The Last Stylebender,” references Avatar: The Last Airbender, with a tattoo of Toph Beifong from the series on his forearm. In 2020, he became the first MMA athlete to sign with Puma, and in 2023, his life was highlighted in the documentary Stylebender at the Tribeca Film Festival.
What did Pereira say to Adesanya?
After winning the light-heavyweight title at UFC 295 in November, Alex Pereira made a bold call-out to Israel Adesanya. With his second world title around his waist, Pereira – typically speaking through an interpreter – took the microphone himself and said in English, “Hey, Adesanya, come to daddy.”
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Conclusion
Israel Adesanya’s net worth is the culmination of his success across various combat sports, his intelligent brand partnerships, and his captivating persona inside and outside the octagon. His journey from Nigeria to New Zealand and ultimately to global acclaim is a compelling narrative of talent, tenacity, and tactical acumen, both in combat sports and financial matters.
FAQs about Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth
- What is Israel Adesanya’s primary source of wealth?
- Adesanya’s wealth primarily stems from his career earnings as a professional MMA fighter in the UFC, including prize money, bonuses, and sponsorship deals.
- Has Israel Adesanya’s net worth been affected by his losses?
- While losses may impact a fighter’s marketability and future earnings potential, Adesanya’s net worth remains substantial due to his overall career success and endorsements.
- What other streams of income contribute to Adesanya’s net worth?
- In addition to fight earnings, Adesanya’s income includes sponsorship deals, brand endorsements, and potentially other business ventures.
- Is Israel Adesanya among the highest-paid fighters in the UFC?
- While not at the very top, Adesanya is certainly among the higher echelons of UFC earners, especially considering his draw as a pay-per-view star and his sponsorship with PUMA.
- Could Israel Adesanya’s net worth increase in the future?
- Yes, Adesanya’s net worth has the potential to grow with continued success in the octagon, further endorsements, and possible ventures outside of fighting, such as commentary, analysis, or acting roles.
