Israel Adesanya’s Earnings Surpass Champion Despite UFC 305 Loss
In a dramatic showdown at UFC 305, Israel Adesanya faced Dricus du Plessis in a highly anticipated main event at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Although Adesanya ultimately lost the fight—tapping out in the fourth round—he reportedly earned a higher payout than the reigning champion.
The historic matchup marked the first UFC title fight between two African fighters, underscoring its significance in sports history while providing considerable financial incentives for both competitors. Reports indicate that Adesanya was guaranteed a staggering $750,000 for his participation, compared to Du Plessis’s $500,000 base salary.
Adding to the stakes, both fighters are projected to accumulate over seven figures in total earnings, with Adesanya expected to secure a larger share of the pay-per-view revenue, thanks to his illustrious career and past accolades.
Prior to the fight, Du Plessis stirred controversy by claiming he was the "first real African UFC champion," which Adesanya perceived as a slight against his legacy and that of other former champions like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou. However, following his victory via rear naked choke, Du Plessis expressed regret, acknowledging Adesanya’s status as a legend and refuting any intention to undermine his heritage.
UFC 305 also featured impressive earnings for other fighters, with Kai Kara-France securing a $50,000 bonus in addition to his $300,000 base pay for a first-round knockout of Steve Erceg, who earned $75,000. Additionally, Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot each received $50,000 bonuses on top of their respective salaries of $350,000 and $110,000, solidifying the event as financially rewarding for many participants.
