Israel Adesanya: Net Worth 2024, Record, Girlfriend, and More

Who is Israel Adesanya?

The former Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, is undoubtedly one of the most noted figures in the entire UFC. While many have called out the promotion for allegedly underpaying its athletes, Adesanya may call himself an exception to this.

Adesanya joined the UFC back in December 2017. Since then, it has been quite a glorious ride for 'The Last Stylebender'. After crowning himself as the Middleweight champion in 2019, Adesanya went on to become one of the highest-paid athletes in the UFC. So here's a look at all you need to know about the middleweight phenom.

Israel Adesanya’s Early Life 

Adesanya was born in Nigeria. His father, Oluwafemi earned his livelihood as an accountant and his mother, Taiwo worked as a nurse. 'Izzy' was the eldest of his five siblings. He went to Chrisland School, Opebi, and also got himself enrolled in the Taekwondo club of the school. His mother later got him out of there after he sustained an injury.

Adesanya also spent 10 months in Ghana since their family relocated. However, his parents wanted him to get a better quality higher education and sent him to Rotorua, New Zealand. Adesanya was just 10 years of age at that time. Although Adesanya didn't take any interest in sports after joining Rotorua Boys' High School, his choice was altered when he faced regular bullying in his high school years.

The noted Muay Thai-based film, 'Ong Bak' served as an inspiration for him to join kickboxing. At 20, Adesanya decided to give up his studies as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui and decided to fight.

Israel Adesanya’s Girlfriend

Although 'Izzy' has never been vocal about his relationships, he gave of hint to his eagle-eyed fans when he posted some snaps of himself with a lady. Later, the fans identified her to be the famed Australian model, Shana Evers.

Adesanya and Evers follow each other on Instagram. The speculations about their relationship started when Adesanya liked and commented on a 1 September 2021 post from Evers. Although, 'Izzy' hasn't expressed any desire to publicize his relationship, still it's known that the couple isn't married yet and also doesn't have any kids together.

Israel Adesanya’s Net Worth 2024 

As per several reports, Israel Adesanya's net worth is estimated to be around $4-6 million as of 2024. Several factors influence a fighter's earnings, such as base salary, win bonuses, and performance incentives. Additionally, endorsements and product placements can generate substantial income.

Adesanya's UFC career has been a major contributor to his wealth. His salary, pay-per-view shares, and win bonuses have steadily increased as he climbed the ranks. Notably, his fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, for instance, earned him a massive paycheck of $3.18 million.

Israel Adesanya’s Career Timeline

Adesanya started off his professional kickboxing career in the 'Kulun Fight' promotion in China. After getting eliminated from the semifinals of the 2014 Kunlun Fight 80 kg tournament, 'Izzy' moved on to join the noted kickboxing promotion, Glory Kickboxing. That's where he clashed with his biggest rival, Alex Pereira, and lost twice to him.

'Izzy' also participated in the Glory Middleweight Contender tournament in 2016. He also won the tournament and fought Jason Wilnis for the championship, but Adesanya lost the fight via a unanimous decision. His last Glory fight was against the noted current UFC champ, Alex Pereira, who was also signed with the promotion at that time. Izzy lost the bout via a knockout in the final round.

Israel Adesanya's Professional Mixed Martial Arts Career

Following his Glory kickboxing days, Adesanya transitioned to MMA. He also fought for a few promotions, including the Australian Fighting Championship. But, 'The Last Stylebender' didn't agree to be contented fighting for such small promotions.

The former UFC Middleweight champ made his debut at UFC 221 against the famed Middleweight, Rob Wilkinson. He also picked up a superb TKO victory in the second round itself. Following his superb debut, Adesanya continued to showcase his prowess in the UFC Middleweight division.

He defeated several noted UFC Middleweights, including the legendary Anderson Silva, which lined him up for a title shot against the famed, Kelvin Gastelum. 'Izzy' put up a superb display of his courage in the bout as he claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory in the bout.

Adesanya is considered the most active champion in the UFC by a lot of fans. He also has a remarkable six title defenses to his name. Adesanya held the Middleweight title for more than 3 years before losing it to Pereira in November 2022.

Nevertheless, Izzy avenged his loss at UFC 287: Pereira vs Adesanya 2, but lost his title once again to the underdog Sean Strickland, who stepped in instead of Dricus Du Plessis for UFC 293. Now there's also a cinematic touch to Adesanya's comeback since he will once again try to clinch his crown from none other than Dricus Du Plessis.

Israel Adesanya’s Contract

While the exact terms of the contract, such as its duration or specific financial details, have not been publicly disclosed, it is reported that Israel Adesanya signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC before UFC 271. This deal is one that has been widely described as "one of the most lucrative multi-fight deals in company history."

Israel Adesanya’s Partnerships and Endorsements

Apart from his earnings from the UFC, a lot of brand endorsements also contribute to his million-dollar net worth of 'The Last Stylebender'. Adesanya made history by becoming the first MMA fighter to sign with Puma. He also has a Prime Hydration sponsorship. Yes the popular sports drink brand, co-founded by KSI and Logan Paul. They secured Adesanya and fellow UFC champion Alex Volkanovski as their first athlete endorsements. Adesanya's love for gaming also led to a partnership with the popular video game franchise, 'Call of Duty'. Additionally, he was also the ambassador for Stake.com, and partnered with Engage, a clothing brand, for limited edition collections.

Israel Adesanya’s Career and Record

Adesanya's UFC debut was met with immediate success. He climbed the ranks rapidly, but not without his own share of setbacks. His record currently stands at 24-3-0 (Pro MMA). Apart from this, he also holds the #13th place in the P4P rankings and sits in the second position for the Middleweight category!

Israel Adesanya’s Major Achievements and Awards

MMAJunkie.com

• 2018 Newcomer of the Year


• 2019 April Fight of the Month vs. Kelvin Gastelum


• 2019 Fight of the Year vs. Kelvin Gastelum


• 2019 Male Fighter of the Year


• 2023 April Knockout of the Month vs. Alex Pereira


• 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 287

MMA Fighting

• 2018 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year


• 2019 Fight of the Year vs. Kelvin Gastelum


• 2019 Fighter of the Year


• 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 287

CombatPress.com

• 2018 Breakout Fighter of the Year


• 2019 Male Fighter of the Year


• 2019 Fight of the Year vs. Kelvin Gastelum

CagesidePress.com

• 2019 Fighter of the Year


• 2019 Fight of the Year vs. Kelvin Gastelum

MMADNA.nl

• 2018 Rising Star of the Year.

World MMA Awards

• 2018 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year


• 2019 ”“ July 2020 Charles 'Mask' Lewis Fighter of the Year


• 2019 ”“ July 2020 International Fighter of the Year


• 2021 International Fighter of the Year

MMAMania.com

• 2019 Fighter of the Year


• 2019 Fight of the Year vs. Kelvin Gastelum

LowKick MMA

• 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 287

ESPN

• 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 287

Israel Adesanya’s Charity and Foundation

Having a life with several luxuries didn't make Adesanya forget about the less fortunate. He is a regular donator for various noble causes but prefers keeping them to himself. Also, Izzy refrains from making donations to large organizations since they might become public knowledge. Instead, he prefers providing aid to smaller entities.

He once revealed, "My sister, who's a nurse, was telling me about the hospital needing beds. I donated $20,000 just to help them out and they got a few new beds more than a few new beds."

Adesanya also sponsored 10,000 three-ply face masks and 1000 eye protection face shields for Whanganui's frontline health staff in the fight against COVID-19. Evidently, 'Izzy' cares about others' requirements as well, apart from his own. He has also auctioned off personal items, like his fight-worn gloves, to raise funds for charities like the Child Cancer Foundation NZ.

Israel Adesanya’s Shoe deal

Israel Adesanya made history when he became the first MMA fighter to sign a multi-year deal with Puma in September 2020. This partnership marked a significant milestone for both the athlete and the brand. He became the face of Puma's Oceania division apart from contributing to the brand's global marketing campaigns.

Israel Adesanya’s House

Adesanya has spent a significant portion of his life in Auckland, New Zealand, where he trains at the renowned City Kickboxing gym. While specific details about his residences remain relatively private, according to reports, Adesanya and his father have ventured into the real estate business with a property in Mount Wellington, Auckland, with plans to develop it into an apartment block. He has also disclosed that he spent over $800k in building and upgrading his current house. 

Israel Adesanya’s Titles

Ultimate Fighting Championship

• UFC Middleweight Championship (Two times)


• Five successful title defenses (first reign)


• The first two-time UFC Middleweight champion


• Interim UFC Middleweight Championship (One time)

Australian Fighting Championship

• AFC Middleweight Champion (one time; former)

Hex Fighting Series Middleweight

• Hex Fighting Series Middleweight Champion (one time; former)

Boxing

• Super 8 Boxing Tournament


• Super 8 III Cruiserweight Champion (eight man Tournament)


• Super 8 IV Cruiserweight Champion (four man Tournament)

Kickboxing

• King in the Ring 86 kg II Champion (Eight Man Tournament)


• King in the Ring 86 kg III Champion (Eight Man Tournament)


• King in the Ring 100kgs II Champion (Eight Man Tournament)

Glory

• 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament Winner (Four Man Tournament)

Israel Adesanya’s car collection 

With his successful UFC career and substantial earnings, Adesanya has cultivated a commendable car collection. Perhaps the most iconic car in his collection, McLaren 720S Spider is a testament to his penchant for luxury and performance. Adesanya also owns a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Range Rover. To be noted in the list, the fighter also gifted his mother a Porsche Cayenne.

SH18: Israel Adesanya’s Social Media Accounts