Adesanya Earned More Than Dricus Despite UFC 305 Loss
In a surprising twist at UFC 305, Israel Adesanya emerged with a higher earnings figure than reigning Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis, despite suffering a defeat in their high-stakes clash. The event, held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, marked Du Plessis’s first successful defense of the UFC Middleweight Championship, as he secured a fourth-round victory via submission, forcing Adesanya to tap out.
The bout, notable for being the inaugural UFC title fight between two African fighters, was not only a historic moment for the sport but also a lucrative affair for both competitors. Adesanya, a former two-time Middleweight Champion, was guaranteed a substantial sum of $750,000 for his participation, surpassing Du Plessis’s guaranteed $500,000.
According to reports from The Sportster, the final earnings for both fighters are expected to reach seven figures when accounting for additional revenue from pay-per-view sales. However, Adesanya’s share is projected to be notably higher, reflecting his established reputation and achievements in the sport.
Before the fight, Du Plessis stirred controversy by declaring himself the “first real African UFC champion,” a statement that seemed to undermine previous African titleholders such as Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, who no longer reside in Africa. Adesanya was visibly displeased with this comment, perceiving it as a slight against his heritage.
Following his victory, Du Plessis attempted to mend fences by extending an apology to Adesanya, acknowledging him as a legend in the sport. He clarified that his earlier remarks were not intended to disrespect Adesanya’s African roots and expressed respect for his opponent’s legacy.
The UFC 305 event also featured notable payouts for other fighters on the card. In the co-main event, Kai Kara-France earned a $50,000 bonus in addition to his $300,000 base salary for his first-round knockout of Steve Erceg, who received $75,000. Meanwhile, Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot, who engaged in a thrilling lightweight match, each secured $50,000 bonuses on top of their respective base salaries of $350,000 and $110,000.
This revelation of earnings highlights the financial rewards associated with high-profile UFC events and underscores the significant impact of both historical significance and individual performance on a fighter’s overall compensation.
Source: The Punch
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