Israel Adesanya Retirement Plans: Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, has made headlines with his recent statements about his post-retirement plans. At 35 years old, “The Last Stylebender” is already thinking about life after his fighting career, and his approach might surprise you.
Key Takeaways:
- Israel Adesanya firmly rejects the idea of participating in celebrity boxing matches after retirement
- The fighter emphasizes he’s not desperate for money and has other avenues for income
- Adesanya expresses interest in wrestling and jiu-jitsu tournaments post-retirement
- He plans to focus on fatherhood and has unique ideas about his future children’s education
Israel Adesanya Retirement Plans After UFC Career
Adesanya’s Stance on Celebrity Boxing
In a recent podcast interview with Andrew Schulz, Israel Adesanya made it clear that he has no intention of following the path of many retired fighters who transition to celebrity boxing matches. Despite the potential for significant paydays, Adesanya stated,
“Nah hell no hell no, maybe some wrestling maybe…”
This statement reflects his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his fighting career and reputation.
Financial Security and Alternative Ventures
One of the key reasons behind Adesanya’s decision is his financial stability. Unlike some fighters who might be tempted by quick money after retirement, Adesanya emphasized that he’s not desperate for funds. This financial security allows him to make decisions based on his personal preferences rather than monetary needs.
Potential Post-Retirement Activities
While Adesanya has shut down the idea of celebrity boxing, he hasn’t completely closed the door on all combat sports activities after his UFC career. He expressed interest in potentially participating in:
- Wrestling events
- Jiu-jitsu tournaments
This approach aligns more closely with his martial arts background and could provide a way for him to stay connected to combat sports without compromising his principles.
The Price of Temptation
Interestingly, Adesanya did leave a small window open for a potential boxing match, but only under extraordinary circumstances. He jokingly mentioned,
“I mean, f*ck 20 million bro, I’ll pray on it…”.
This statement suggests that while he’s firm in his stance, an exceptionally lucrative offer might make him reconsider.
🥊 New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya has revealed plans for his retirement 👀
The 33-year-old Adesanya, born in Lagos, Nigeria has set a five-year target for himself to retire from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). pic.twitter.com/SRpMWmMIyv
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) February 15, 2023Focus on Fatherhood
A New Chapter in Life
One of the most intriguing aspects of Adesanya’s retirement plans is his focus on becoming a father. The fighter has expressed a desire to be present for his future children and to give them the best version of himself. This shift in priorities demonstrates Adesanya’s maturity and forward-thinking approach to life after fighting.
Unconventional Education Plans
Adesanya has also shared some unique ideas about how he plans to educate his future children. He’s expressed skepticism about traditional schooling methods and has outlined a more personalized approach:
- Home tutoring from 9 AM to 1 PM daily
- An hour of homework
- Afternoon adventures and experiences
- Compulsory gymnastics and jiu-jitsu training
This unconventional approach reflects Adesanya’s belief in the importance of practical skills, physical fitness, and real-world experiences in education.
Gratitude for Parental Support
Throughout his career, Adesanya has consistently acknowledged the crucial role his parents played in his success. He recently shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing respect for parents who support their children’s dreams, “regardless of how ‘unrealistic’ it may be”. This gratitude underscores the importance of family support in Adesanya’s life and career.
The Road Ahead
As Adesanya continues his UFC career, he’s keeping an eye on the future. While he’s not rushing into retirement, he’s clearly given thought to what comes next. His rejection of celebrity boxing, focus on fatherhood, and unique educational plans for his future children all paint a picture of a fighter who’s planning for a fulfilling life beyond the octagon.
Final Thoughts
Israel Adesanya’s approach to retirement planning sets him apart from many of his peers in the fighting world. By prioritizing his principles, focusing on family, and considering unconventional paths, Adesanya is charting a course for a post-fighting life that aligns with his values and aspirations. As he continues to compete at the highest levels of MMA, fans can appreciate not just his skills in the octagon, but also his thoughtful approach to life after fighting.
