Israel Adesanya inks lucrative extension prior to UFC 271

It seems like a big topic surrounding the UFC nowadays is the topic of fighter pay. This has been what Jake Paul has been attacking the promotion on and this is the one issue that’s hindering an extension between the UFC and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

However, some fighters are having no issues doing business with the promotion. One of those fighters is UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (21-1). The Last Stylebender was set to see his contract expire during 2022, however, negotiations have been going on behind the scenes.

Today, Adesanya’s management, Paradigm Sports, announced that the two sides have reached a new agreement. The extension is a multi-fight deal that will keep Adesanya in the UFC for the foreseeable future. There was little doubt that an extension would happen, but now we all know for sure.

Adesanya’s New UFC Deal

Paradigm shed a little light on Adesanya’s new deal with MMA Fighting. Izzy’s new deal will make him one of the highest paid fighters in the sport and the deal is said to be one of the most lucrative in the history of the promotion.

In my opinion, I’m not surprised that a deal like this has come together for Adesanya. Of course, he’s a star for the UFC. However, much more than just that goes into the negotiations. Paradigm manages Israel Adesanya, but they also manage Conor McGregor.

Over the years, the UFC and Paradigm have had a great working relationship. Usually, Paradigm and Dominance MMA (Repped by Ali Abdelaziz’s) clients, do well with the UFC. Going back to Francis Ngannou, he’s not repped by either of these organizations.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Paradigm now has the two highest paid fighters in the UFC under their banner. Of course, nobody makes more than Conor McGregor. However, Adesanya is getting up there and this is a huge win for the Paradigm organization.