It appears UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
According to Adesanya’s management, the champion signed a new multi-fight extension with the MMA leader that will make him “one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts.” No word yet on exactly what that means, or how many fights he’s resigned for.
Per a release from @ParadigmSports, Israel Adesanya has signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, making him "one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts."
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 9, 2022
According to the release, Adesanya’s manager Tim Simpson states, “We are very happy with the terms of Israel’s new promotional agreement with UFC.” Simpson continued, “Israel truly deserves to be in the position that he is in, and we look forward to several more prosperous years with the UFC.”
Adesanya is defending his middleweight championship for the fifth time this Saturday at UFC 271 in Houston when he faces Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion who Adesanya took the belt from originally, in a championship rematch.
The fact that Adesanya resigned the week of his championship fight suggests that this was either the final fight on his current deal or one of the final fights, as the UFC doesn’t like to let fighters, especially champions, get down to the final fights on their contracts without locking something else up.
While Adesanya is no doubt one of the biggest stars in the UFC, his management company Paradigm Sports also manages the UFC’s undeniable biggest star, Conor McGregor. McGregor tweeted about the announcement that Adesanya would be staying with the promotion.
Can’t wait to see Izzy Style back in the Octagon this weekend! 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 https://t.co/zVYfpNDrb3— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 9, 2022
Very well promoted, no doubt.
UFC 271 takes place this Saturday, February 12, from Houston, TX and is available exclusively on PPV on ESPN+
