Israel Adesanya, UFC Middleweight Champion, has given Jake Paul credit for helping him secure a lucrative new deal.
Adesanya, 32 years old, has signed a new lucrative contract to the MMA fighter ahead of his eagerly-awaited rematch with Robert Whittaker.
Israel Adesanya signed a new agreement with the UFC in advance of his rematch against Robert Whittaker
has The Last Stylebender overjoyed
The Kiwi, a Nigerian-born Kiwi, is thrilled with his new pay package. He believes it was partly increased by Paul's advocacy for better fighter pay during the promotion.
TalkSPORT asked him to clarify: "I believe Jake Paul was the right person to [challenge Dana White] in that time."
"He was the one who started this conversation that Francis [Ngannou] got involved in.
"You have my attention even now, speaking about it."
Adesanya is content with his new deal but he will not be silent on the subject of fighter pay.
He stated that "Just because I have a new contract doesn't mean that I should just be happy about it." I agree that everyone should get paid the same amount for their work.
"I get paid very well, but I am still greedy. This is the prizefighting game that we are in.
"I am referring to the guy having the second fight at the UFC. I believe they should be paid enough so that they can have a 12-week training camp and not have to work a second or third job.
They can still afford to pay their managers and their training fees and live comfortably.
"What you get is the idea of rising tides lifting all boats because fighters train completely on fighting. They're going to put on an even better show, and then the company will rise up.
"It's a momentum right now, and I don’t think it can stop. This one is going all the way."
Adesanya was impressed by Paul's brief stint in professional boxing. He said: "He really wants dudes up.
Look at his last fight. He drove [Tyron] Woodley insane."
Adesanya, the dominant middleweight champion, believes his new deal was the result of the UFC brass realizing his value to the organization.
SunSport asked him if his appeal to the African market and his importance in cracking it played a part in his new deal. He replied, "Yeah [it was a combination of those] and then some."
"Even the Oceania situation with me and Alexander Volkanovski, champions, and the team that I have built over there.
"And that's why the entire world is watching because of what we do in the UFC.
"There have been many things that have contributed to UFC's recognition of my value.
"[And] they have shown me my value which I truly appreciate. They are a great team and I look forward doing more business with them."
Adesanya, a fan favourite, is planning a June return from the Octagon with a showdown against Jared Cannonier in the forefront of his thoughts.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
