UFC star Israel Adesanya shares how a career low after his loss to Alex Pereira in China left him financially struggling, relying on his coach’s help.
UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has revealed a difficult chapter in his career, recounting how he faced financial hardship following a key loss during his kickboxing days in China.
The Nigerian-born Kiwi, known for his flamboyant fighting style and sharp confidence in the UFC, shared the story on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) podcast, detailing the challenges he encountered after a loss to Alex Pereira led to a prolonged period of inactivity.
“When I was fighting in China and I lost to Alex, they stopped giving me fights,” Adesanya explained. At the time, Adesanya was the highest-paid foreign fighter in the Chinese promotion. However, after the defeat, he found himself sidelined, with no bouts lined up and his financial situation quickly deteriorating.
He pleaded with the promotion to honour his remaining contract, saying, “I have seven more fights on my contract.
Can I at least just get three? I just need three,” but his requests went unanswered. Soon, Adesanya was down to his last $500, barely enough to sustain himself. His funds dwindled to the point where basic necessities like groceries became a concern.
At this critical juncture, his coach, Eugene Bareman, stepped in to offer a lifeline. In an emotional moment, Bareman asked Adesanya to check his bank account, leaving the fighter overwhelmed with gratitude. “I was in tears,” Adesanya recounted, reflecting on how his coach’s generosity saved him from an incredibly tough financial situation.
This story highlights the unpredictability of a fighter’s career, where success and financial stability can be fleeting. Adesanya’s hardships during this time contrast sharply with his current high-profile UFC career, where he has both won and lost the middleweight title on multiple occasions.
Despite recent setbacks in the UFC, including losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, Adesanya remains determined to continue fighting. Speaking on The Adam Carolla Show, Adesanya expressed his desire to return to the octagon soon
. “At the moment, I want to fight one more time before the end of this year, or early next year. But I don’t know yet. I’m just training, building off where we left off,” he said.
Adesanya also addressed his most recent loss to du Plessis, admitting to a tactical mistake when he pointed at the ground after slipping during the fight.
Reflecting on his journey, Adesanya’s story of resilience and determination continues to inspire fans, as they eagerly await his next move.hip, Eugene Bareman
