Add another to the growing list of UFC fighters having a hard to reckoning with the big paychecks in Zuffa Boxing.
Earlier this year, Dana White had the first huge headline from Zuffa Boxing, when he signed Conor Benn away from Matchroom Boxing, for a reported one-fight deal with a $15 million contract. It’s a substantially bigger contract that almost anyone in the UFC has, which, of course, has drawn some light reaction from several big name fighters. And now, former two-time middleweight champion
Israel Adesanya joins the mix.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Wednesday, Adesanya commented about the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount, and how that may be affecting Dana White and company when it comes to Zuffa Boxing.
“Hey man, this whole Paramount thing is something,” Adesanya said. “It’s something. But at the moment, we’re playing the cards we’re dealt.
“I think the UFC, they enjoy what they do. After a few years, like anything, sometimes you need a little something else to spice it up, so now they’ve got Zuffa Boxing for themselves. …
“[Dana White] clocked this game. They have the NFL, the NBA of combat sports. So now, he’s like, ‘F*ck it, I’m going to go do the same thing in boxing.’ And already the signees they’ve had is crazy. Conor Benn, Jai Opetaia fighting this weekend, as well. Crazy.
“I know what you mean when you talk about the venom, or the way he’s — that’s what he lives for. He fights for the challenge. So, this isn’t challenging, I guess, enough for him anymore.”
White has faced increasing criticism over the years for his focus on the UFC as he continues to add other sports promotions to his portfolio, including Powerslap, UFC BJJ, and now Zuffa Boxing. And now, with the newest addition making such a splashy signing, it seems that Adesanya does have some feelings about that.
“I understand,” Adesanya said. “We know these guys are top class boxers. They’re the best in the world at what they do, but so are we. This is the UFC. And if one guy can command that kind of money for one fight, and that’s from the same company, Zuffa, and this is what’s been keeping the lights on is the UFC. This is what we love. We love Ultimate Fighting, not Limited Fighting.
“So, I don’t feel jaded, but I’m like, I want $15 million for one fight, too!”
Unfortunately, that’s not on deck for Adesanya, at least not next. Instead, “The Last Stylebender” takes on Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 28.
TOP STORIES
$$$$. Max Holloway urges UFC fighters ‘know your worth’ after Zuffa Boxing’s reported $15 million purse for Conor Benn.
Pinata. Charles Oliveira reveals he’s only interested in Conor McGregor fight ‘for the money … that’s it.’
Sacrifices. Raul Rosas Jr. explains what he sacrificed to pursue UFC dream: ‘I want to be great.’
Peace. Cody Garbrandt explains how he found peace amid the chaos surrounding him: ‘Fighting saved my life.’
Mad. Patchy Mix blasts French commission for drug-testing debacle: ‘I should freaking go get a defamation of character lawsuit on them.’
Grappling. Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell announced for submission-only grappling match at Hype Brazil.
VIDEO STEW
Anything But Fighting.
Media Day interviews.
UFC Embedded.
BMF Camp.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Yeah, I mean, maybe pick a fight with a guy in your weight class.
The lesson was, apparently, only fight people you’re bigger than.
Gina Carano is putting in that work.
Harsh.
Silver is traditionally NOT the color of the best.
Probably not.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tanner Boser (22-10-1) vs. Gokhan Saricam (11-2); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
Julien Leblanc (10-2) vs. Robert Valentin (10-6, 1 NC); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
Melissa Croden (7-3) vs. Daria Zhelezniakova (10-2); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
Donghun Choi (9-0) vs. Andre Lima (11-0); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
Mitch Raposo (10-3) vs. Allan Nascimento (22-6); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
John Castaneda (21-8) vs. Mark Vologdin (12-4-1); UFC Winnipeg, April 18
FINAL THOUGHTS
Oof. If you watch the video, Izzy looks like he’s about to give some real feelings on the Conor Benn signing, but makes a business decision to move on. That feels like how every active roster fighter has been. Can only imagine with thoughts when the cameras aren’t rolling.
