Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has signed a lucrative new multi-fight deal with the UFC ahead of his upcoming title defense rematch against Robert Whittaker this weekend in Houston, Texas.
According to a statement from his management team, Adesanya’s new deal makes him “one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts.”
“We are very happy with the terms of Israel’s new promotional agreement with UFC,” Adesanya’s manager Tim Simpson stated. “Israel truly deserves to be in the position that he is in, and we look forward to several more prosperous years with the UFC.”
Among the first to voice their approval of Adesanya being rewarded for his efforts in the Octagon was Conor McGregor, who appears to be a big fan of ‘The Last Stylebender’.
“Can’t wait to see Izzy Style back in the Octagon this weekend!” McGregor wrote on Twitter. “One of the true remaining high level fighter/performer athletes we have on the roster!
“Don’t just fight! Perform! @stylebender back in the Octagon this week! Only on PPV! @ufc @espn #AndStill.”
Adesanya remains undefeated at middleweight ahead of his next fight, including three successful defences of the belt so far, while the only loss of his 21-fight career came in a superfight with the light-heavyweight champion at the time Jan Blachowicz last year, who defeated him by unanimous decision.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old soon got back on track with a decision win over Marvin Vettori and is currently ranked No.3 on the UFC’s overall pound-for-pound rankings.
