Israel Adesanya is one of the biggest stars in the UFC today. Known for his incredible striking skills and flashy style, he has become a fan favorite worldwide. Born on July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya moved to New Zealand at a young age. His journey from kickboxing to mixed martial arts has been nothing short of remarkable. With an estimated net worth of $10-15 million in 2025, Adesanya’s success goes beyond the octagon, extending to smart business investments and lucrative endorsements.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how Israel Adesanya built his empire, his earnings per fight, endorsements, investments, and how he spends his money.
From Nigeria to New Zealand: The Early Days
Israel Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but moved to New Zealand when he was about 10 years old. Growing up in a different culture was challenging, but Adesanya found a way to channel his energy into combat sports. He started with kickboxing, where he built an impressive record of 75 wins and only 5 losses.
His kickboxing background made his transition to MMA smoother. In 2017, Adesanya joined the UFC, and his rise to fame was rapid. With a combination of deadly striking and a unique personality, he quickly became a star. His ability to entertain both inside and outside the octagon made him a fan favorite and a marketing gem for the UFC.
UFC Earnings: How Much Does Adesanya Make Per Fight?
Israel Adesanya is one of the highest-paid fighters in the UFC today. His earnings per fight range from $2 million to $4 million, depending on pay-per-view (PPV) sales. Adesanya’s entertaining fighting style and confident personality draw huge audiences, which boosts his PPV numbers significantly.
Notable Fight Earnings:
- Adesanya vs. Pereira (2023) – $3.5 million
- Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 (2022) – $2.3 million
- Adesanya vs. Costa (2020) – $1.7 million
These figures include base salaries, win bonuses, PPV shares, and performance bonuses. The earnings from these fights have played a big role in building his net worth, which is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million as of 2025.
Endorsements and Sponsorships: Big Brands, Big Money
Beyond the octagon, Adesanya has secured lucrative endorsement deals that bring in millions of dollars each year. His most notable deal is with Puma, making him the first MMA fighter to sign with the brand. This partnership has not only boosted his income but also increased his visibility in mainstream sports.
Key Sponsorships:
- Puma – First MMA fighter to sign with the brand
- Engage Fightwear – Sponsors his fight gear
- Stake – A crypto-based betting sponsor
- Call of Duty – Featured in promotional campaigns
These endorsements have significantly boosted Adesanya’s net worth. Experts suggest that his sponsorship earnings are in the millions each year, which, combined with his fight purses, makes him one of the wealthiest fighters in the UFC.
Business Ventures and Investments
Israel Adesanya is not just a fighter; he’s also a smart businessman. He has invested in several areas, including real estate, clothing, and even digital assets like NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
Notable Investments:
- Real Estate – Properties in New Zealand
- Clothing & Merchandise – Owns a personal apparel brand
- NFTs & Crypto – Investments in digital assets
Adesanya’s business ventures show that he’s thinking about life after fighting. His investments in real estate provide a stable income, while his interest in NFTs and crypto aligns with the growing trend among younger athletes.
Spending Habits: Cars, Fashion, and Charity
Adesanya enjoys the finer things in life but spends his money wisely. Unlike some fighters who burn through their cash, he invests strategically and spends on things that matter to him.
What He Spends On:
- Luxury Cars – Owns a McLaren 720S, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Lamborghini Urus
- Fashion & Jewelry – Known for designer outfits and expensive jewelry
- Charity – Supports youth programs in Nigeria and New Zealand
His love for cars is no secret. Adesanya’s Instagram often features his luxury rides, reflecting his passion for speed and style. However, he also gives back to the community. His charitable efforts include funding programs for underprivileged youth in both Nigeria and New Zealand.
Future Earnings and Growth
Adesanya’s net worth is expected to exceed $25 million in the coming years. Several factors contribute to this prediction, including more UFC fights, increased PPV shares, and new sponsorship deals.
What Will Boost His Net Worth:
- More UFC Fights and PPV Bonuses – His popularity almost guarantees high PPV sales.
- Bigger Sponsorship Deals – Existing sponsors are likely to renew and expand deals.
- Entertainment Ventures – Possibility of movie roles or TV appearances.
If Adesanya decides to venture into movies or TV, it could significantly boost his net worth. His charisma and presence make him a natural fit for the entertainment industry.
What’s Next for Israel Adesanya?
At 35 years old, Adesanya is still in his prime. With a few more title defenses and smart business moves, he could easily become one of the richest fighters in UFC history. His ability to balance fighting, business, and endorsements shows that he is more than just a fighter—he’s a brand.
Fans are eager to see what the future holds for Adesanya, both inside and outside the octagon. Whether it’s more title fights, bigger sponsorships, or a debut in Hollywood, one thing is clear: Israel Adesanya’s story is far from over.
The Rise of a Champion
Israel Adesanya’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to UFC superstardom is nothing short of inspiring. His net worth of $10-15 million in 2025 reflects years of hard work, smart investments, and an understanding of his brand. Adesanya’s ability to dominate the octagon while securing lucrative deals outside of it makes him a role model for future fighters.
With more fights, new business ventures, and the potential to expand into entertainment, Adesanya’s net worth is likely to keep climbing. As he continues to fight and build his empire, fans can expect to see a lot more of Israel Adesanya in the years to come.
