UFC: Adesanya pockets $.6m from Costa win

Middleweight UFC champion, Isreal Adesanya, earned $690,000 after his title defence against Brazilian, Paulo Costa, in UFC 253 at the Flash Forum, Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The Lagos-born star dominated his opponent in the bout, earning a knockout victory, with the Brazilian bleeding after receiving a series of kicks and punches to his face.

‘The Last Stylebender’ earned a guaranteed $600,000 appearance fee and was also handed a $40,000 promotional fee, with an extra $50,000 performance incentive.

Adesanya’s $600,000 is a 10 per cent increase on his previous fight, while his opponent received $400,000 as appearance fee. Costa would have won $100,000 more if he had defeated Adesanya.

The Nigerian is billed to face the winner between Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier in his third middleweight title defence.

The fight comes up October 24.

Adesanya had previously defeated Whittaker to claim the middleweight belt in 2019.

The UFC star says he’ll like to enjoy the victory with loved ones before his next fight.

“I’m ready to go anytime. I can go next week if I want but I want to go spend some time with my family.”

Adesanya’s compatriot, Kamaru Usman, made $640,000 from his unanimous decision win against Jorge Masvidal in July.