Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya Signs New UFC Contract: ‘It’s a F—-ing Big Deal’

Just days before his rematch with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has signed a new contract with the promotion.

While Adesanya wouldn’t get into specifics regarding terms, he did indicate that it was financially significant. A separate announcement by his management, Paradigm Sports, revealed that it was a multi-fight contract.

“I just signed a new, crazy deal with the UFC. It’s a big deal. It’s a fucking big deal … It hasn’t hit me yet,” Adesanya said at UFC 271 media day. “If I was just gonna do this for the money and bounce, I would’ve done this maybe three fights ago, to be honest. I’m kind of set.

“It’s not about money. This is about legacy. This is about martial arts. This is about learning. I haven’t lost that step. I’m still hungry. The thing i want to know is: What’s my value to the company? You can’t undersell my value. If you are, you’re kidding yourself.”

Congrats to Israel Adesanya on signing a new multi-fight deal with the UFC. #GP pic.twitter.com/EOjQ09iSi1

— Paradigm Sports (@ParadigmSports) February 9, 2022

While the Adesanya-Whittaker rematch has been announced for quite some time, “The Last Stylebender” admitted on Wednesday that he didn’t actually sign his bout agreement until fight week. The City Kickboxing standout believes his contract will have long-lasting implications for both the promotion and other fighters on the roster.

“I love the UFC. I looked at this company and I wanted to be in this company for so long. I love the fact that we’ve gotten to this agreement finally,” Adesanya said.

“Side note, I just signed for this actual bout this week. I’m glad we came to this agreement, I’m glad we have a good working relationship. This will trickle down to the rest of the fighters. It’s only gonna be great for the company. Just give it time.”

Adesanya claimed middleweight gold with a second-round knockout of Whittaker at UFC 243 in October 2019. He has since authored three successful title defenses and although he failed in a bid to become a two-division champion, appears to be one of the UFC’s biggest stars and top pound-for-pound talents.

“I’ve got that ‘it’ thing,” he said. “I’m glad the UFC is starting to see that … I’m glad we came to an agreement with this new deal.”