Adesanya demands $15m per fight from UFC boss White

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has demanded $15m per fight from UFC president Dana White, pointing to the reported payday handed to British boxer Conor Benn by Zuffa Boxing — the same company that runs the UFC — as justification for his demand.

Benn is reported to have been guaranteed $15 million for a single fight under Zuffa Boxing, and Adesanya, speaking on his YouTube channel, said the figures made clear what fighters of his calibre deserve.

“Zuffa Boxing’s the next challenge he’s set his eyes on — but with that being said, don’t forget what brought you to the game. This is what got him to be Dana White, the UFC president. 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 — I don’t feel jaded, but I’m like, f*** it, I want $15 million for one fight too,” he said.

The 36-year-old Nigeria-born fighter, who carries a professional record of 24 wins and five losses with 16 knockouts, is currently preparing for what he has described as the biggest fight of his life — a return to the octagon against Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle on March 28.

Adesanya had previously been out of action for a year following a second-round TKO defeat to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in February 2025.

Despite entering the Pyfer bout on a three-fight losing streak and as a betting underdog for the first time in his professional career, Adesanya insists he returns feeling sharper than ever.

“I just feel unstoppable. Everything I’ve done in this game has been for this moment in my life now. And now that it’s here, I just feel I can’t be messed with,” he said.