Israel Adesanya’s journey to the top of the UFC has been anything but smooth. The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter recently opened up about a dark chapter in his career. It’s a tale that might surprise many fans who only know the flashy, confident fighter they see today. Back in his kickboxing days, Adesanya faced a formidable opponent in Alex Pereira. But what many don’t know is how their first encounter left Adesanya with dire consequences.
After losing to Pereira in China, Adesanya’s world turned upside down. The promotion he was fighting for suddenly went cold on him. No more fights meant no more paychecks. Adesanya found himself in a financial free fall.
“When I was fighting in China and I lost to Alex, they stopped giving me fights. I think, at the time, I was the highest-paid foreign fighter in China, but then they stopped giving me fights. I was like, ‘Look, I have seven more fights on my contract. Can I at least just get three? I just need three,’ because money was running out,” said Adesanya via The JRE podcast.
Israel Adesanya was down to his last $500. That’s barely enough for a week’s groceries, let alone sustaining a professional fighting career. But the story takes a heartwarming turn. Eugene Bareman, his coach, proved to be more than just a cornerman. He became Adesanya’s financial lifeline.
Eugene’s message to check his bank account must have felt like winning the lottery. Adesanya revealed that he sat there, tears welling up, realizing his friend had his back. Moments like these show the true spirit of martial arts camaraderie.
Israel Adesanya Reveals His Ideal Return Date To The UFC
Adesanya’s recent run in the UFC has been a rollercoaster ride. He lost his belt to Alex Pereira, snatched it back in spectacular fashion, then dropped it again to Sean Strickland. His latest bout against Dricus du Plessis ended in submission, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the Nigerian-born Kiwi.
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But ‘The Last Stylebender’ isn’t one to stay down for long. In a recent interview on The Adam Carolla Show, he spilled the beans on his comeback plans. He revealed that he would ideally want to fight once more this year.
“At the moment, I want to fight one more time before the end of this year, or early next year. But I don’t know yet. I’m just training, building off where we left off.”
Israel Adesanya was also refreshingly honest about his last fight. He admitted to making a mistake against du Plessis, pointing at the ground after slipping. But, as fans know, hindsight is 20/20. Now the question remains: what awaits ‘The Last Stylebender’ in his UFC career?
Also Read: “Bring Your Mother Around” – Israel Adesanya Issues Bold Challenge To Critics Calling Him Gay
