Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya reportedly earned approximately ₦720 million ($521,000) despite suffering his fourth consecutive defeat at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle, United States, on March 29, 2026.
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Adesanya was stopped in the second round by American fighter Joe Pyfer in the main event, marking a difficult run of form for the 36-year-old.
The loss follows previous defeats to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov.
Despite the setback, Adesanya received the highest purse of the event, underlining his continued commercial value and star power within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Pyfer, who secured one of the biggest wins of his career, earned $315,000 (approximately ₦435 million) for his victory.
The American delivered a clinical performance, finishing Adesanya with a barrage of strikes after rocking him with a series of punches in the second round.
Other notable payouts from UFC Fight Night 271 include Michael Chiesa ($396,000), Alexa Grasso ($365,000), Niko Price ($321,000), and Marcin Tybura ($265,000).
Speaking after the fight, Adesanya dismissed suggestions of retirement, insisting he remains determined to continue competing at the highest level.
“You keep going again and again… I’m not leaving. I might get beat, but I’ll always remain undefeated,” he said.
Pyfer, meanwhile, paid tribute to his opponent, describing Adesanya as “the best middleweight of all time” while acknowledging the significance of the victory.
Adesanya’s latest defeat extends a challenging period in his career, with his last victory coming in 2023 against Alex Pereira.
However, his earnings at UFC Fight Night 271 highlight his enduring appeal as one of the sport’s biggest global stars.
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