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In a rare turn of events for former UFC middleweight champion Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, his next bout will not headline a Pay-Per-View (PPV) event.
Instead, the highly anticipated fight will take place in Saudi Arabia under the UFC’s growing international footprint. Despite the deviation from his usual PPV headliner status, Adesanya remains unfazed.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adesanya shared his perspective on the shift.
“I still get paid. There’s still a referee, it’s two of us in there, there’s a crowd,” The former champion said in part.
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” It’s not like in the Apex or something, so it doesn’t feel any different,” he concluded.
Adesanya, known for his charisma and ability to draw massive audiences, has been a staple in UFC PPV main events. From his record-setting bout against Alex Pereira to his masterclass against Paulo Costa, the Nigerian-New Zealander has consistently been a major draw for the promotion.
His upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia signals the UFC’s ambition to expand its global reach, especially in regions with untapped markets for combat sports.
While the UFC Saudi Arabia event may lack the prestige of a traditional PPV, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The Kingdom’s heavy investment in sports and entertainment, including hosting high-profile events like boxing megafights and Formula 1 races, ensures that Adesanya will still compete on a grand stage.
For Adesanya, the location and status of the event are secondary to his passion for fighting. His focus remains on the task at hand—stepping into the Octagon and delivering a performance that fans worldwide have come to expect.
Adesanya’s statement reflects his grounded outlook, reinforcing that regardless of the event’s billing, the stakes remain the same. Whether on a PPV or not, “The Last Stylebender” continues to embody the spirit of a true martial artist, always ready to shine under any spotlight.
Stay tuned as Adesanya prepares to make history in Saudi Arabia, proving once again why he is one of the most compelling fighters in MMA today.
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