In a recent interview with Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya gave his views on a potential move to boxing.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Adesanya (18-0), is one of the fastest rising stars in the UFC. The Kiwi destroyed his competition throughout his MMA career. With his elite-level striking, Adesanya made quick work of Robert Whittaker to capture the UFC middleweight championship.
“The Last Stylebender” is set to face Yoel Romero at UFC 248 in March. Romero is an Olympic Silver Medalist in wrestling. He is blessed with dangerous striking and explosive power. Romero is supposed to be Adesanya’s toughest challenge yet.
Israel Adesanya speaks out on a potential move to boxing
When Iole asked Adesanya about the future of MMA, Adesanya said:
“Now you’re starting to see the big money come into MMA.”
Adesanya believes that the sport of MMA is changing. It is constantly evolving. Fighters make way better money now than they ever did. Adesanya himself made an estimated $490000 in his last fight against Robert Whittaker.
“Everyone keeps saying the same thing to me. You should go to boxing after a few UFC fights.”
“Why would I limit myself to just two weapons out of my eight limbs which I can use? I feel like it’s a step backwards.”
The sport of MMA requires you to use a wide variety of attacks from different directions whereas boxing is a limited sport. Being a mixed martial artist, Adesanya has a wide range of attacks to choose from.
“There’s no need to go to boxing to make that kinda money. We can do it right here in the UFC,” Adesanya told Iole.
Generally, boxing offers more money to its athletes. However, MMA is also catching up. Adesanya mentioned Conor McGregor who made an estimated $80 million in his fight against Donald Cerrone. Since his rise to the top, Adesanya has not shied away from showing off his wealth.
He mentioned that there should be an equal playing field and the fighters must know their worth.
What do you feel about Adesanya’s comments on boxing?
