This weekend was a landmark occasion for fight fans, as the UFC’s 2025 trip to Saudi Arabia not only turned out to be a thrilling event but also provided significant financial rewards for the fighters who competed at Fight Night 250 in the ANB Arena, Riyadh. Collectively, the fighters earned a total of $137,500, contributing to the UFC’s year-to-date compliance pay, which now amounts to $6,170,000. This payment is part of a broader program that includes media obligations, promotional work, and other elements of a fighter’s contractual code of conduct.

The system, which has been in place since 2015 under the UFC’s partnership with Reebok, saw a shift in 2021 when the French company Venum took over as the official clothing sponsor. The UFC and Venum recently extended their contract, originally set to expire in 2024, to 2029. However, UFC Fight Night 250 also brought a tough setback for former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who saw his losing streak extend to three after a second-round knockout by French sensation Nassourdine Imavov. Despite the loss, Izzy topped the compliance pay leaderboard, earning a substantial $16,000, while Imavov earned $11,000.

The most surprising aspect for many fans was the pay disparity between fighters of similar age and experience on the same card. Michael ‘Venom’ Page, who has fought three times in the UFC, received $4,000—far less than Adesanya’s payout. The discrepancy stems from the fact that compliance pay is determined by a fighter’s number of UFC bouts, not their overall MMA career. Page, with just three UFC fights, was eligible for $4,000, while the Nigerian-kiwi, with 19 UFC appearances, earned $16,000, which also includes a share of UFC merchandise royalties, estimated to be 20-30% of sales in the U.S.

It’s worth noting, though, that Izzy’s days of receiving substantial compliance and other lucrative payouts may be nearing their end. After his brutal knockout loss, the middleweight champion hinted at potential retirement. Let’s dive deeper into this.

What’s next for Israel Adesanya after the third straight loss of his career?

“Listen, getting caught is getting caught. He’s 35, Imavov is 28, and he’s in his prime… Adesanya looked incredible,” said Dana White, reflecting on the dominant performance by French-Dagestani star Nassourdine Imavov, who handed Israel Adesanya his third consecutive loss. Izzy, who had already faced setbacks against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 last year, now suffered a knockout defeat at UFC Saudi Arabia, adding to his previous losses by unanimous decision and submission.

What’s next for Adesanya? It’s unclear, but for now, he wants to “chill and think about things” and take a step back. Still, he expressed his desire to help teammates prepare for upcoming fights and to reflect on his next steps. Despite the loss, Adesanya praised his opponent, acknowledging Imavov’s skill with, “I was going to do that anyway, but now I’m forced to. Shoutout to Nassourdine for that.” He also took responsibility for his underwhelming performance, apologizing to his fans and expressing his disappointment in himself.

What does the future hold for Israel Adesanya in the UFC? At 35, can he overcome his recent setbacks and reclaim his place among the elite, or is it time to call it a career? Should he explore a move to boxing, perhaps against someone like Jake Paul, securing a massive payday that could serve as the perfect send-off? Share your thoughts below.