How Israel Adesanya Spent His First $1M in the UFC | My First Million | GQ Sports

Israel Adesanya didn't see fighting on his radar until he watched Tony Jaa in 'Ong Bak' at the age of 17. From $200K on a presidential Rolex to $500K on his McLaren, find out everything Israel Adesanya spent his first million dollars on as a UFC champion.
With GQ Sports, the real action is off the field. Get an all-access pass to the world's coolest, most stylish athletes with original series like My Essentials, Actually Me, My First Million, Game Points & More. Watch a GQ editor try his hand at pro sports in Above Average Joe. And get an all-access look into how athletes shop, train, travel, and showcase their love of style, menswear, and sneakers.

[@KP-05]

Bro this dude is so upfront about his upbringing and his loyalty to his family. I have nothing but respect for this gentleman.

[@EthanTurbos1000]

My respect for him went up after this video. Paying for peoples gas and donating anonymously. He is a real champ.

[@chocolatitomaravilla9195]

@@EthanTurbos1000 lol donating anonymously then bragging about it publicly

[@anthonyantmanedwardsisbett8197]

@@chocolatitomaravilla9195 hater

[@anthonyantmanedwardsisbett8197]

@@chocolatitomaravilla9195 the premise of this video is literally what he spent his money on so yeah he mentioned charity but you already knew that huh, waste of space

[@dudedog7914]

@@anthonyantmanedwardsisbett8197 I'm sure Israel adesanya appreciates you getting butthurt for him in the KZbin comment section.

[@solidify8888]

“My dad’s involved in my career. But not in the canvas, not in the cage. But behind the scenes, where it really matters.” I love that.

[@user-tk8br2up2k]

his dad is in prison for killing 2 ppl.

[@Lamb666]

@@user-tk8br2up2k you’re a real pos to make baseless claims about someone who has made an honest living as an accountant.

[@Coolblex23]

@@user-tk8br2up2k And your dad created Covid which killed more...

[@cliftonwilliams8793]

@@Coolblex23 😂😂😂

[@mandelaaa1103]

Bruh you stole a whole comment 😂😂😂😂

[@ryanreviews3221]

Adesanya is my favorite mma fighter, this interview definitely shows how genuine he is !

[@outlaw._.lazines]

Spends 500k on a car and 40k for his parents 💀

[@theoriginalrabbithole]

The Last Stylebender, along with Khabib, are easily the two best fighters, pound for pound in recent MMA history. I just can't get enough of Israel's fights. Always entertaining!

[@derrickleeman2394]

Usman?

[@heltonrolobcv2181]

Nah Usman is the true pound for pound King, i like khabib but he retired to soon, can't be considered a goat or even ppp greats

[@brandonamezquita4501]

@@heltonrolobcv2181 Lightweight GOAT.

[@butterxo3094]

@@heltonrolobcv2181 Can't say he is the Greatest but would call him the most dominant similar to how Wilt and Shaq weren't the greatest but they were the most dominant

[@heltonrolobcv2181]

@@butterxo3094 best analogy there mate

[@gidd]

Y'all the goats for getting adesanya on here

[@tfg_jaydeeyt3275]

Gayest sport in the world all you guys should try watching boxing if you dont want to watch to guys hug for 15 mins boxing is a real mans sport unlike this mda or MMA garbage whatever its called.. ive seen more action in space jam then in this sport if you even wanna call it a sport i call it cockfighting or “lets roll around the ground for 15 mins”

[@rodrigog4290]

@@tfg_jaydeeyt3275 here, take the attention you wanted: *attention*

[@crispyrock1906]

@@tfg_jaydeeyt3275 don’t you call your sport the “sweet science” that’s hella fruity dude.

[@principal4854]

@@tfg_jaydeeyt3275 watch Tony Ferguson vs Anthony Pettis and calm down

[@elgoblino9271]

Fax

[@zaal08]

FINALLY someone who is honest that they had a decently easy upbringing

[@Wasteman365]

Yo he must’ve been filthy rich lol, parents probably a little dodgy tbh

[@robsteer2487]

@@Wasteman365 what makes u think his parents are dodgy

[@Wasteman365]

@@robsteer2487 was kind of a joke, but suggesting his parents are corrupt if they're that rich in Nigeria

[@GameChanger-xi4iy]

@@Wasteman365 They weren't that rich tho just upper middle class.

[@ronaksingh3220]

bro many fighters are like him like gsp colby Anderson silva bisping and nany others 👍👍

[@372gsh]

He’s a truly cultured man. Naming his McLaren “Kurama” Nothing but RESPECT to my guy.

[@thenameidk3168]

Weebs won love it

[@xAce8]

I heard kuruma. I was thinking why would he named his car, car.

[@706truth]

@Privilee Privilee how?

[@bagaskarapangestu7873]

Wouldn't call someone 'cultured' just for knowing naruto

[@706truth]

@@bagaskarapangestu7873 not that deep

[@grimp8686]

Always liked issy but he’s earned a lot more of my respect after this video. Especially the part where he spoke about how his charitable donations are kept behind the scenes. Great man.

[@oskkrt1271]

As a caregiver working in the healthcare setting. I just want to thank this man for donating beds to the hospital and nursing homes! It means more to the patients and staffs more than he would ever know!

[@texas-stunna5147]

@@cadancummings7992 How?

[@william_SMMA]

Genuine question. How do you spend $150k on a trip to Nigeria and Dubai?

[@ludwinmax18]

@@william_SMMA flying first class and places and Lagos are expensive I’m guessing

[@ludwinmax18]

Dubai*

[@william_SMMA]

@@ludwinmax18 oh ffs that's true First class is laughably expensive And he obviously won't go alone So probably 3 - 5 people flying first class. $2 - $5k per first class ticket Hotels in Nigeria aren't that expensive. Even the 5 star ones so I doubt it would total over $2k Dubai on the other hand But still. I still don't see how it should be more than $60k to $75k lol Even he was surprised (Israel) Maybe he bought a watch or something and he didn't check the price lol

[@gabrielhogan6251]

Bruh, if he made his first mill vs Anderson/Brunson then he is absolutely LOADED by now

[@nicoblac9368]

Not really, couple mil maybe. Not generational wealth yet but I’m sure he’ll get there.

[@nguyenhiep6425]

@@nicoblac9368 it's definitely generational wealth if he dont spend this crazy😂😂

[@DavidBee101]

@@nicoblac9368 I dunno, seems he's investing well by the sounds of it, what with the comment about multiple properties and such, plus that jewelry will hold it's value. Say his Net Worth js higher than you might expect.

[@kubobetterrelax7435]

@@nicoblac9368 he's planning on building a high-end complex and renting out it out. He's already into housing now. With housing prices going up in Auckland, probably among the most expensive in developed, he's going to be balling.

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Hes had 6 fights since the Silva fight and his PPVs sold well so im sure he's making hella bread. Undisclosed pay for his Silva fight 178K. If he made a million already by then he is forsure getting bonuses and PPV points.

[@drewtrades265]

Humble and humility. Glad I got to discover him today.

[@Akatekui]

Adesanya: "Who else is gonna have your best interest at heart than the man who brought you into this world?" Britney Spears father has entered the chat...

[@lavonnealexander6936]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@techystt]

Major difference in Nigerian and American culture. America, as it stands, is a very individualistic society compared to Nigeria.

[@giobbymenta]

@@techystt nothing to do with the culture...there are bad fathers, stupid fathers, ignorant fathers in Nigeria, in USA and every where around the world

[@zThaRipper7]

@@techystt how many tribes r there in Nigeria

[@lesionsofadifferentkind9158]

😂

[@darfoz8807]

Really refreshing to see that he isn't afraid to say he grew up well off

[@pooperstalker2818]

who cares?

[@thesscotts4768]

@@pooperstalker2818 💀I see why named yo self that bum

[@gxtkingz5865]

@@thesscotts4768 😂😂😂😂

[@davidben-shahar7667]

I am so glad you got him on here, such an Iconic fighter.

[@methinkyouhot400]

Gynobender

[@icyellen1632]

@@methinkyouhot400 Cringe

[@Sincewayback1997]

Needs an iconic financial advisor

[@methinkyouhot400]

@@icyellen1632 I'm just saying facts.

[@craigman7262]

awesome fighter. but cringe as triple c lol

[@nicd4089]

I'm happy for u man. Take care of yourself and you will be able to help anyone you want too. Good luck.

[@LCONRADBF]

I already loved this dude as fighter. Even more now; he’s genuine. “Money is fugazi. Time! Time is more valuable!”

[@bradeatsbread]

Yessir

[@antarahibnshaddad7725]

He’s like Batman. He put himself through trials and tribulations to become a man. He’s solid

[@francisdy2507]

Ya'll need to get Francis Ngannou in this, so we can finally figure out why he can't afford a fight camp..

[@Isaiahwood123]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😋

[@einsteinheinisch5207]

Bruh

[@madgavin7568]

@Skirip Mola Fun fact. Since 2018 Stipe has only fought two guys; Francis and DC.

[@saicaron8802]

@@madgavin7568 thats 5 times

[@madgavin7568]

@@saicaron8802 2 guys in five fights, pretty crazy. He needs a new challenge.

[@Quantum3691]

Izzy deserves everything he's got. He's got a beautiful family. Wish him lots more success. 👊🏼

[@secondsun765]

Israel, is the biggest down to earth superstar in the whole world. I knew 5 years ago that you would become what you are now, even back then - i knew. Amazing to see that money and fame hasn't changed who you are and how you view the world

[@CubensisEnjoyer]

The more you hear him speak out of the octagon the more you can tell how intelligent he is. His personal YT channel is super entertaining too. Very easy guy to root for.

[@ronaksingh3220]

true

[@The5GIO5]

super intelligent spending 500k on jewerly

[@muchit3629]

@@The5GIO5 Need to listen better. 500K was on the McLaren. He said he spend $13K on jewelry

[@Kingra5hid]

@@The5GIO5 you’re really spamming this comment everywhere lmao, at least have comprehension skills before making financial comments moron, he spent 13k on jewelry. stop hating on others because you have nothing.

[@InnocentDJ]

@@The5GIO5 you can’t hear right or what?

[@LeBeautiful]

Adesanya keeps it real, he be looking like the hood Luffy. #StyleBender

[@otalaedwin]

What is "hood" about Adesanya ? he grew up wealthy and nowhere near the hood... oh maybe it's...

[@otalaedwin]

@@champ1159 huuuum no ?

[@whytrap4901]

you everywhere bruh lol

[@durant2609]

@@champ1159 funny

[@PJ-po6xy]

"Hood"?? What's "hood" about him, cuz he's blk??? Cornball lol

[@jcsmooth70]

Much respect to the man Izzy! 🔥 Always good to see him shine

[@kkff1388]

I liked that, ''At the core Nigerians ppl are peaceful ppl, happy ppl and very welcoming.'' That's true! Nigerian ppl are very nice, very humble, happy, welcoming ppl. The only reason you may find different is the conditions imposed upon them by the 1%er/Elites and then the rulers in Nigeria. Otherwise if everyone had enough you would see ppl behaving totally different.

[@mandunya]

“Allegedly” is Izzy’s favorite word

[@l__jauregui]

Hahaha The Last Allegedbender

[@mandunya]

@@l__jauregui allegedly

[@Justin4Jays15]

Fugazzi too he always says and he said it on both jre appearances too😂

[@brodiethegoaty849]

Izzy got a check and bought a Sharingan off the dark web.

[@kabukicho3009]

Lol 😂😆

[@Nick_Tank]

Facts tho😂😂

[@gabbamoreno]

More like a byakugan 😂

[@prismbeats6304]

This comment bussin

[@Dooddood2731]

@@gabbamoreno the Walmart sharigon

[@21345luiz]

He definitely deserves everything he has gotten, rich but yet so humble my inspiration

[@mansamusa2012]

Facts he fights in a brutal sport! I couldn’t agree 👍🏿 more!

[@danfortino4540]

I didn't realize adesanya was so genuine. Awesome respect!

[@brodiethegoaty849]

Tony Ferguson spent his first mill on trampolines and baseballs.

[@metalheadblues]

And knee surgery

[@aleksanderboci7056]

@@metalheadblues why would you bring that up you pos

[@aleksanderboci7056]

@jabroni destroyer that surgery ruined Tony man

[@metalheadblues]

@@aleksanderboci7056 his fighting style did

[@aleksanderboci7056]

@@metalheadblues lol, the damage he took throughout his career and age caught up to him. His style was ruthless, a terminator never took backsteps, thats why he won fights because he broke down everybody. He hasn’t taken a step forwards ever since the Gaethje fight.

[@Gumbocinno]

Nice hearing him say he wasn't super poor and made it sound like some heroic thing. So many people milk their childhood as being as bad as it gets.

[@MrLakers1991]

Tyler Herro 👀

[@bornanagaming3329]

Yeah but not everyone is rich af tho

[@acerchromebook3003]

seems like every other black celebrity says they grew up poor

[@BERTRAND85O]

Truth.

[@acerchromebook3003]

@Honest Manchester United Fan or it's just that not all black people are poor, there are many black millionaires in the world

[@bigsima2k23]

The part about paying for someone’s Gas and his charity stuff was awesome, and he’s right! It’s what you do when the cameras off that counts!

[@smitty9054]

He puts on a great show and humble outside of the ring

[@carlosescobar3292]

I'm so thankful that he made it big. He's a good soul.

[@anasshahid224]

Izzy is the man! So relaxed, chill vibe and a beast inside the octagon, he’s for sure the next big UFC star, thanks for having Izzy GQ Sports 🙌👏

[@sammatt6678]

One of the best new stars in the UFC 👏

[@mistertv3893]

After khamzat

[@badoboss294]

@@mistertv3893 I love khazmat he’s got a bright future,but don’t dare say “after” the man is the champ and defended 4 times he’s the biggest star out of all the current ufc champs

[@shakeelali5189]

Love Izzy mad respect for the brother ❤️ everyone chasing money but time is invaluable ✌️

[@bigrandomun9267]

I love how even now, as one of the more recognised MMA guys and arguably one of the best kick-boxers ever, he still doesn’t look like someone you’d be scared of on the street. Yet if sh*t went down, he could be in skin-tight jeans and with the ridiculous flexibility of this man, he’d hook kick KO anybody.

[@alfie69420]

Waffle town^

[@tomasferreira5339]

The fact that he likes anime, brings levels to his personality. Absolute Legend is what he is.

[@dailydoseofmma2002]

why?

[@lilsmoejoe]

@@dailydoseofmma2002 Because having a nerdy interest shows that there is more to him than just being a trash talker or a macho fighter

[@craigman7262]

@@lilsmoejoe but its so fake. compared to someone like Brandon Moreno

[@lilsmoejoe]

@@craigman7262 You’re saying that Adesanya isn’t actually into anime?😂

[@lin_6x579]

@@lilsmoejoe he’s mostly likely not lol anime is a trend rn so most of y’all not anime fans either

[@selo1153]

You know you've made it when your country starts watching a sport because of you. Son of the soil, you and Kamuru are the Messi and Ronaldo of the UFC... G.O.A.T.s! 🇳🇬

[@danielokon9393]

@I Mur what you saying shut up

[@Glenn-ej6yq]

@I Mur he went to school in Lagos

[@selo1153]

@I Mur love barometer. I see you.

[@Glenn-ej6yq]

@I Mur And why insult when you were the one to make a mistake in not clarifying your sentence.

[@joshwowify]

@I Mur You’re just a hater that’s what you are, nothing else

[@huntertafoya894]

Love this guy so genuine

[@devenb1311]

“ and if I do something for someone aye pass it on “ those words hit me and will I spread the love

[@hiddenmissingo4776]

I could hardly reconize Adsaenya this vid, the guy wiped out $150k and thought it was $12k XD

[@elijahmosrae1784]

I love how brutally humble and honest the man is and the love he has for his family is amazing,I would surely love to hang out with the champ. Bless this man, true G.O.A.T.

[@zig9260]

This guy is sooooo chill! And what an awesome fighter!

[@pianoman31198]

Champion in the ring and a champion in life! keep inspiring and being you bro

[@coletonr9787]

When Adesanya said ever since he's been buying land and property, that's when I knew this man would be successful in the longterm, long after he finishes fighting

[@2552Zeus]

Still don’t understand why people equate wealth to success…money isn’t the root of all evil…the love for money is the root of all evil

[@x3-178]

@@2552Zeus 100%, money is a fantastic tool that can remove many of life’s problems, but if you let the money get to your head it’s all down hill

[@gianlucaolano5341]

@@2552Zeus "Money doesn't change people, it shows how they really are"

[@moregainsmorehs]

@@2552Zeus greed is the root of all evil

[@stevencoardvenice]

Blew a million dollars on cars and jewelry. He will wish he had that money back in 10 years

[@Editor-dt6sq]

I love the way Nigerians speak boldly about the situation in their country.

[@Stratocaster01]

Nigerians hate their government, hopefully something will be done about the country by its people.

[@shawnx7606]

Loved the interview GQ. Israel came across as grounded, but with Mad Swag. 😎✌🏾

[@JSRDesign23]

Became a fan bro! Let’s go get it 💪🏻

[@aperaruapeeta4309]

Went to high school with this guy most humble guy ever funny as well. Great Nigerian kiwi he's proud of his African roots and being a new Zealander as well.

[@YRG_JR]

Yesssirr I love the Style Bender 😂

[@in33d2floss7]

Cringe

[@MrHuff05]

New level of respect for "Style bender". Dude is humble outside of the octagon. He seems cocky af inside. Maybe he's just confident and I've been mis reading him. I like his demeanor and attitude. I like how his Pops handles his finances for him. Gotta keep it in the family. Much respect ✊🏽.

[@King-pl4jk]

When he fights he don’t look the same as when his dressed up casually, looks like a complete different guy

[@CrazyDiamond75]

Well it’s official, we now can all thank Tony Jaa for Izzy fighting.

[@ajorngjdonaydbr]

@Rvve Duio copy and paste is your friend

[@1jordanisrael691]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@odunayoezekiel975]

I probably walked the same streets in Lagos he did. Proud of this man right here. Blessings on Blessings champ

[@alonsoarellanocarryoptics]

“Pick who you surround yourself with and make sure you are a valued member”…. Wow very wise advise

[@nuclearatomic4052]

Love this man who so understanding how to spend his money. He said pic wisely who u surrounded with 👍🙏

[@btc7694]

The only one who’s not capping saying he gave half of his milli to charity

[@reehanshahparast8315]

Some people really do genuinely care about charity. You don’t know if the other people are capping or not.

[@btc7694]

@@reehanshahparast8315 Some out there trying to say they didn't spend anything but gave everything to charity and their family, i don't trust them but good on them if they did that it doesn't change my life

[@chaeltheamericanmurderersi8450]

@@btc7694 the Tyson fury special. He’ll tell the world he donated his wilder paycheck but won’t disclose the charity name

[@isaiahpaul-cole1112]

Style Bender is the freaking goat, GQ is great for getting my boy on here

[@eeke7438]

I am sure he was here before. 2 years ago...

[@joshj2307]

He needs to win at 205 for a goat argument

[@isaiahpaul-cole1112]

@@joshj2307 that’s a big fact! He should move up again and smack more heavy weights around before Jan

[@user-dl9fs5rm6y]

Adesanya is my favorite fighter and a human being…just a big fan with loads of respect 🙏🏻

[@Parvizdov]

style bender is lethal

[@yanielmendez7920]

This is why he’s my favorite fighter. This man is elite! 🙏🏼

[@AlexisMartinez-lr4vj]

He is really down to earth guy, much respect!

[@henrytochukwu4549]

Israel adesanya has a bright future. Keep winning big bro.

[@leonardogranic-flores1860]

0:18 i like that he kept it real about growing up wit some wealth

[@Toreju7240]

izzy be lookin good in the bucket cap🔥 vintage kangoo🤣

[@thecookingshorts]

too confident lmfao +500 strickland ftw

[@andyzhu1949]

wow, he is such a polite and tough fighter ~

[@justsauce1280]

Dam he seems such a calm and genuine person, made me like him more

[@702stormrider]

One of my favorite fighters, and such a cool dude! Definitely a fan!

[@marquitomerkkks2033]

First Mitchell and then adesanya. Pure bangers. And real genuine, caring people than rappers and some football players

[@Howsyafatherrrrr]

Well deserved Israel, and i love the way you respect and love your parents!

[@AJ-be5jv]

Respect for this dude went up for me 🙏

[@ameetoshdash1252]

It's good that he was honest about his early life being well of than others in his age.

[@dnice374]

Easily one of the coolest, smartest, and fun to watch fighters in UFC history. Izzy would be on my top 5 list of "fighters I'd buy a beer to shoot the breeze with." Just a good guy and cool bloke.

[@N8R33D]

Man, I liked this guy prior to this interview but even more impressed now. Very real, humble, and grounded.

[@timthecoolmanful]

"Stay broke and stay woke" Love that saying! Kia Kaha Izzy. Well done.

[@texis4060]

I live by that quote ( make sure you're a valued member ). Because if youre not those people don't deserve you.

[@ericlonzo2247]

Definitely a down to earth, morally sound person that know what's important and likes to help not only because he can because it's a great thing to do regardless.

[@willardsandy2589]

Accidentally read the first part as ,"clown" to earth . He definitely be clowning though .

[@samosammy5118]

Adesanya is such a real person.

[@yonasasmelash9795]

I love adesnya he confident without showing off

[@hrmouchshotrage63]

He's the man ! Love how he let's his father keep the money so he can stay sharp. Lot's of fighters have lost their fighting flame once being surounded by money

[@kingmindset2655]

His accent lowkey calming me right now 😤😤

[@madedigital]

i found out about this guy today by his fights and his love for manga now this side show that some nice guys can win...i will follow his career all the best

[@micahjohnson138]

He have a lot of hater because he like anime but still hes the goat in ufc mw

[@controversenyc]

with the drop top ya heardddd 💎🔥

[@powerthroughfocus]

Demonstrates the power of having good parents 💪🏽

[@gispechy]

Watching videos like this inspire me to wanna persue my dreams of fighting

[@filipzaitsov4730]

Nothing but mad respect for this guy!

[@TenSeconds_]

Respect for the honesty

[@DeadlyJimmy]

It's not 'Ong Buck', it's Ong Bak 😂 Fix the description GQ!

[@aquaticlibrary]

I’m rolling lmao

[@songuyen1726]

Yuh. They even got the watch brand AP spelt wrong

[@xinsanedefeatx]

And I thought I was buggin for a second lmao

[@LexLuther078]

Lmaooooooooo 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂

[@Msdchad11]

@misuyy fong black don’t crack

[@Keith_Mikell]

Loved that he said about his kushy upbringing. His dad knows what not to do with money so thats a good resource to have.

[@Santiagohernandez49228]

Definitely a humble man ❗️✅

[@chandhrushekarchandhu421]

Ve all love you so much Boss your real super star thee best 100 year you stay like this

[@Indigololz]

Somewhere Uncle Dana is sitting very happy about this video.

[@moeketsimokete3669]

yall like acting like UFC fighters are broke

[@jonwifebeaterjones6389]

@@moeketsimokete3669 most are bruh. Only champs and top five guys can really live of it

[@dakota-qx3dd]

jones jaredJones Jared cannonier is 3rd ranked middle weight and he said he was broke after his last fight

[@30yovegan34]

only 2 fighters here out of the thousands they've had on their roster over the years 🤣🤣🤣

[@leop849]

@@dakota-qx3dd don't know how to manage your finances then u get to corner

[@heyyosteve3322]

Izzy is a real champ 👏🏼 always dropping knowledge and what not 👑

[@dwayneparker995]

My Brudda✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿 I remember the beginning stage of his career and I remember him getting that chain the Nigerian "lets make a deal"

[@andrewmohlala3262]

Being such a great athlete, brave fighter you have great parents ♥️❤️♥️

[@TimeBucks]

I could hardly recognize Adsaenya

[@ayloyal1david381]

Same idk what it is almost looks like he has make up on, i doubt it tho

[@tdb4763]

Yeah he looks like a real vwanker here. Ye?

[@ggbrother8015]

He recently put some mass on.

[@darrylwallace2428]

It kinda looks like he has on makeup. But it’s probably the lighting.

[@greencrocidile6246]

The makeup most big shows talk shows make up their guess wear makeup izzy a bit …..

[@brandonsantoso]

Israel is one of the Goats and my favorite fighter. Love you man.

[@sheloveseze8938]

love this man mentality ❤️

[@TARANTULAVIBES]

He is too nice. I appreciate him