Israel Adesanya opens up about financial struggles during Kickboxing days

UFC star Israel Adesanya has shared a personal story of hardship, revealing a dark period in his career when he struggled financially after a loss to Alex Pereira in China.

On The JRE podcast, Adesanya recounted how the promotion suddenly stopped offering him fights, leaving him with dwindling funds.

Despite being the highest-paid foreign fighter in China, he was forced to plead for just three more bouts to fulfill his contract.

“I had seven fights left on my contract, and I asked if I could at least get three,” Adesanya said. “I was down to my last $500.”

Coach Eugene Bareman stepped in, providing crucial financial support that left Adesanya emotional.

This challenging experience contrasts with Adesanya’s successful UFC career, marked by multiple middleweight title wins and losses.

Despite setbacks, including defeats to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, Adesanya aims to return to the octagon by year’s end or early next year.

In an interview on The Adam Carolla Show, Adesanya expressed his desire to fight again, saying, “I’m just training, building off where we left off.”

Adesanya also reflected on his loss to du Plessis, acknowledging a tactical mistake. As he prepares for his comeback, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his remarkable journey.