Adesanya Earned More Than Du Plessis Despite UFC 305 Loss
Despite facing a tough defeat against Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 305, Israel Adesanya reportedly walked away with a bigger paycheck than the reigning champion.
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The highly anticipated bout, held at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, saw Du Plessis successfully defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time by submitting Adesanya in the fourth round.
This fight, which marked the first-ever UFC title clash between two African fighters, carried immense historical significance and generated substantial financial rewards for both athletes.
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According to reports from The Sportster, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was guaranteed a hefty $750,000 for the fight, surpassing Du Plessis' $500,000 base pay.
In addition to their base salaries, both fighters are expected to earn significant amounts from the pay-per-view (PPV) revenue, with Adesanya’s share projected to be higher due to his established status and past achievements in the sport.
This financial disparity highlights Adesanya's enduring marketability and popularity, even in the face of defeat.
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The lead-up to the fight was fraught with tension, as Du Plessis made controversial remarks claiming to be the “first real African UFC champion,” a statement that did not sit well with Adesanya and other African-born fighters who no longer reside on the continent.
Despite the pre-fight animosity, Du Plessis extended an olive branch after securing the victory, apologizing and referring to Adesanya as a legend while clarifying that he did not intend to disrespect his opponent’s African roots.
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