Israel Adesanya is speaking out about UFC president Dana White’s recent moves in boxing and high-profile fight payments. Fans and fighters alike have noticed White’s Zuffa Boxing project, including the $15 million payday for Conor Benn, who has never fought for a world title.
“Don’t Forget What Got You Here”
Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, shared his thoughts on White’s expansion into other combat sports.
“After a few years, like anything, sometimes you need a little something else to spice it up,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “So, now they’ve got Zuffa Boxing for themselves, and Power Slap is still slapping. Now, he’s fought this game. They have the NFL or NBA of combat sports. So now, he’s like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna go do the same thing in boxing.’ Already, the signings they have is crazy. Conor Benn and Jai Opetaia, who is fighting this weekend. Crazy.”
He added a warning for White about remembering the UFC’s roots.
“People who say he can’t do it, watch this. You’re Dana White, you came to the game when no one believed in this s—, and you made it into a $7.1 billion company. That’s crazy. That’s inspiring. Zuffa Boxing is the next challenge that he’s set his eyes on. With that said, don’t forget what brought you to the game. This is what got him to be the main [man], Dana White, the UFC president.”
Israel Adesanya reacts to Zuffa Boxing paying Conor Benn $15M for one fight:
“We know these [boxers] are the best in the world at what they do, but so are we. This is the UFC. We love ultimate fighting, not limited fighting.
F**k it, I want $15 million for one fight too.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/bNV6zxlwzN
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 4, 2026
Adesanya Prepares for UFC Seattle
Israel Adesanya has not fought since losing to Nassourdine Imavov by first-round knockout in February 2025 at UFC Saudi Arabia, marking his third consecutive defeat.
He will return on March 28 at UFC Seattle, facing 14th-ranked middleweight Joe Pyfer at Washington’s Climate Pledge Arena in the main event.
A victory would put Adesanya back in line for a 185-pound title shot. Another loss could heavily impact his standing in the division and legacy in UFC history.
