UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has signed 'one of the most lucrative multi-fight deals' in MMA history ahead of his big rematch against Robert Whittaker.

The Last Stylebender is back in action on Saturday night when he faces Whittaker at UFC 271 on February 12 in Houston's Toyota Center.

Adesanya, 32, has gone 10-1 in the world's premier mixed martial arts promotion since making his debut against Rob Wilkinson in February 2018, becoming one of the sport's biggest stars in the process.

And according to his management team Paradigm Sports, who also represent Conor McGregor, he can look forward to 'several more prosperous years with the UFC'.

The statement read: "We are very happy with the terms of Israel's new promotional agreement with UFC.

“Israel truly deserves to be in the position that he is in, and we look forward to several more prosperous years with the UFC.

"The agreement was finalised last week after several months of negotiations, ahead of Adesanya's much anticipated title-defence against Robert Whittaker at UFC 271."

israel-adesanya-new-multi-fight-deal-ufc

Israel Adesanya has inked a new 'lucrative' multi-fight deal with the UFC

His manager Tim Simpson added that Adesanya's new contract is 'one of the most lucrative multi-fight deals in company history' and that will make him 'one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts.'

Adesanya steps into the octagon for the first time in eight months when he takes on Whittaker this weekend, almost two-and-a-half years after their previous bout which he won via second-round knockout.

He looks in fantastic shape and is even more shredded than when he fought Marvin Vettori in June.

And he is unsurprisingly in a rather happy mood after the two sides agreed to extend their partnership for at least the next couple of years.

Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Adesanya said: “Look, I love the UFC. I’ve looked at this company and wanted to be in this company for so long. I love that we’ve gotten to this agreement finally.

“[That’s] how deep it went but I’m glad we came to this agreement. I’m glad we have a good working relationship.

"Like I said, with everything happening right now, this will trickle down to the rest of the fighters and it’s only going to be great for the company. Just give it time.

"The thing I want to know is what's my value to the company. You can't undersell my value, if you are, you're kidding yourself. I bring so many different looks to this company."