Regardless of dropping to Dricus du Plessis in an exhilarating UFC 305 fundamental occasion, Israel Adesanya reportedly earned greater than the reigning champion.
The bout, which happened on the RAC Enviornment in Perth, Australia, noticed Du Plessis efficiently defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the primary time, forcing Adesanya to faucet out within the fourth spherical.
The battle, which was the first-ever UFC title conflict between two African fighters, held vital historic significance and generated substantial monetary rewards for each opponents.
In keeping with experiences from The Sportster, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was assured $750,000 for the battle, whereas Du Plessis acquired $500,000.
With extra earnings from the pay-per-view, each fighters are anticipated to clear seven figures, although Adesanya’s share of the income is projected to be increased as a consequence of his standing and previous achievements within the sport.
Within the lead-up to the battle, Du Plessis sparked controversy by claiming to be the “first actual African UFC champion,” a remark aimed toward earlier African titleholders like Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, who not reside on the continent. Adesanya took exception to this comment, viewing it as an affront to his heritage.
Nonetheless, after securing the win through rear bare choke, Du Plessis prolonged an olive department, apologising and referring to Adesanya as a legend whereas clarifying that he didn’t intend to disrespect his opponent’s African roots.
The UFC 305 card additionally noticed notable payouts for different fighters. Within the co-main occasion, Kai Kara-France earned a $50,000 bonus on high of his $300,000 base pay for his first-round knockout of Steve Erceg, who pocketed $75,000.
Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot, who engaged in an thrilling light-weight contest, every took dwelling $50,000 bonuses on high of their respective $350,000 and $110,000 base pay cheques.