Israel Adesanya’s meteoric rise to UFC stardom is well-documented, but behind his success lies a story of struggle and perseverance, which he candidly shared with Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Adesanya, one of the most successful middleweight fighters in UFC history, opened up about the tough financial realities he faced early in his career before achieving worldwide fame and earning millions in the UFC.
In the interview, Adesanya revealed the difficult truth about the early stages of his career, where he wasn’t earning much from fights despite the risks and hard work involved. Like many fighters who start in smaller promotions, the payouts are often meager, forcing many to take up side jobs or fight just to make ends meet. Before signing with the UFC in 2018, Adesanya’s paychecks were nowhere near what they are today, leaving him to struggle financially while pursuing his passion. The reality of professional fighting, particularly outside the UFC, is that athletes often sacrifice a lot with little financial reward in return, a point that resonated with Rogan, who has long been an advocate for better fighter compensation.
Joe Rogan, a veteran UFC commentator and one of the most influential voices in MMA, expressed empathy during their conversation. He has often discussed on his podcast the disparity between the risks fighters take and the pay they receive, especially in smaller promotions. Rogan was particularly struck by Adesanya’s honesty and the emotional weight behind his words as he reflected on how far he had come—from barely getting paid to now being one of the sport’s highest earners.
Adesanya’s journey to the top was not just about improving his skills in the octagon but also about overcoming the financial hurdles that plague many up-and-coming fighters. His dedication to the sport paid off when he finally got his break in the UFC, which propelled him into the limelight. From his debut in 2018, “The Last Stylebender” quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a fan favorite with his flashy style and technical prowess. Despite the fame and fortune that followed, Adesanya’s revelations serve as a reminder of the often-ignored side of combat sports—the struggle that many fighters face in the pursuit of success.
Rogan has often spoken out about the need for better fighter compensation in MMA, a conversation that gains more attention as fighters like Adesanya share their stories. In recent years, UFC has come under scrutiny for the way it pays its fighters compared to other major sports organizations. Adesanya’s case is a powerful example of how even the most successful athletes in the sport often have to fight their way through financial difficulties before making it big. Today, Adesanya has not only secured millions in fight purses and sponsorships but has also leveraged his success into becoming a mainstream figure beyond MMA, something Rogan acknowledged as a testament to his perseverance.
Adesanya’s struggles, and eventual triumph, highlight a larger issue within the MMA world. While fighters like him have reached the pinnacle, there are countless others still grinding away in smaller promotions, facing similar financial challenges without the promise of ever making it to the UFC. This aspect of Adesanya’s story adds depth to his character and his achievements. It shows the human side of a champion who, despite his current wealth and fame, had to work through the same difficulties faced by many fighters trying to break into the big leagues.
As Adesanya continues to build on his legacy, his story serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring fighters. It also continues the conversation around fighter pay, something Rogan and others have championed over the years. In Adesanya’s case, his rise from financial struggles to UFC stardom not only makes his success more impressive but also underscores the need for changes in how fighters are compensated, especially in the earlier stages of their careers.
Overall, Adesanya’s conversation with Joe Rogan offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of MMA and the personal hardships many fighters endure before finding success. It is a reminder of the sacrifice and determination required to make it in one of the toughest sports in the world, and it adds another layer to the already impressive story of Israel Adesanya’s career.
“I Wasn’t Getting Paid”– Joe Rogan Learns About Israel Adesanya’s Painful Truth Before UFC Millions
