UFC star Israel Adesanya, known for his vibrant personality and fierce skills in the octagon, recently opened up about a difficult chapter in his career. Speaking on “The Joe Rogan Experience” (JRE) podcast, the Nigerian-born New Zealander shared his story of financial hardship following a loss to Alex Pereira during his kickboxing days in China.
Adesanya revealed that after the defeat, the promotion he was fighting for suddenly stopped giving him bouts, leaving him in a tough financial situation. He explained, “I think, at the time, I was the highest-paid foreign fighter in China, but then they stopped giving me fights.” Despite having seven more fights on his contract, Adesanya found himself pleading with the promotion, asking for at least three more fights to help keep him afloat. However, his situation worsened, and his savings dwindled to just $500—barely enough for groceries.
It was at this low point that his coach, Eugene Bareman, stepped in to help. Bareman instructed Adesanya to check his bank account, where he found a deposit that left him in tears of gratitude. The gesture showcased the significance of a supportive team in a fighter’s career, especially during hard times.
Adesanya’s struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where success and financial stability can shift dramatically. Despite these past hardships, he has since risen to stardom in the UFC, becoming a multiple-time middleweight champion. However, the challenges haven’t ended for “The Last Stylebender.” After recent losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, Adesanya is still determined to bounce back.
In an interview on “The Adam Carolla Show,” Adesanya expressed his desire to return to the octagon soon, saying, “I want to fight one more time before the end of this year, or early next year.” He also admitted to a tactical error in his loss to du Plessis, which he aims to learn from in his upcoming fights.
Fans are eager to see how Adesanya’s next chapter unfolds, as his journey is one of resilience, both in his personal life and his career.
