Israel Adesanya, one of the most charismatic and successful fighters in UFC history, has never been shy about enjoying the rewards of his hard work. In a 2021 GQ Sports interview for their popular “My First Million” series, the former middleweight champion gave fans an inside look at how he spent his first seven-figure payday from the octagon.
Known as “The Last Stylebender” for his slick striking and anime-inspired persona, Adesanya approached his newfound wealth with a mix of extravagance, generosity, and smart long-term thinking. “I blew it all,” he said with a grin, before breaking down exactly where the money went.
The Big Splurges
The standout purchase was undoubtedly his supercar. Adesanya spent around $500,000 on a sleek McLaren, which he named “Kurama” after the powerful nine-tailed fox spirit from the anime Naruto. He revealed that he test-drove a Lamborghini first but ultimately chose the McLaren because it allowed him to sit comfortably upright—a practical consideration for someone of his 6’4″ frame.
Another luxury item that turned heads was a presidential Rolex watch, costing approximately $200,000. It remains one of his most prized possessions and a symbol of reaching the top tier of the sport.
Giving Back and Staying Grounded
Adesanya made sure those closest to him felt the benefits of his success. He allocated about $40,000 to help family and friends, emphasizing the importance of sharing wealth with the people who supported him on his journey.
Personal expression also got its share. He invested $4,000 to $5,000 in tattoos, including an elaborate back piece done by a friend who gave him a discount. Clothing and shoes came next—a modest $5,000 shopping spree. Notably, he avoided big designer labels like Gucci or Louis Vuitton at the time, preferring more affordable options and bargains.
Travel rounded out the fun spending, with trips to Dubai and his homeland of Nigeria among the highlights.
Building for the Future
While the flashy purchases grabbed attention, Adesanya’s smartest move was in real estate. He bought his first house in New Zealand for roughly $800,000, an investment that officially pushed his spending past the million-dollar mark. To personalize the property, he added a custom home cinema system costing around $20,000.
Since then, he has continued to grow his portfolio with additional houses and land investments, showing a clear focus on building lasting wealth beyond fighting.
A Balanced Approach to Success
Throughout the interview, Adesanya’s philosophy was clear: enjoy your money, but do it wisely. He stressed surrounding yourself with good people and making decisions that align with your values.
More than just a breakdown of expenses, the conversation offered a glimpse into the mindset of a fighter who rose from humble beginnings to global stardom. Adesanya’s blend of indulgence, gratitude, and foresight serves as both inspiration and practical advice for anyone achieving major financial success.
The October 2021 GQ Sports segment remains a fan favorite, capturing Adesanya at the peak of his first championship reign—a time when the money was flowing, the future looked bright, and the spending was unapologetically bold.
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