A seismic shift is underway in the world of mixed martial arts. Israel Adesanya, the former two-time UFC Middleweight champion, has announced his departure from City Kickboxing, the Auckland-based gym that has been his home for 16 years.
Career Crossroads
Adesanya's decision comes at a pivotal moment in his career, marked by a four-fight losing streak and three consecutive finishes. The 36-year-old fighter is seeking a change, driven by the need for focused, individual training. As Adesanya himself stated, 'It's what I needed.'
A New Chapter
The split was amicable, with Adesanya having a face-to-face conversation with head coach Eugene Bareman. Although the details of his future training plans remain unclear, speculation is rife about potential destinations, including elite gyms in Thailand or the US. Adesanya's last win was against Alex Pereira in 2023, and he is now looking to revitalize his career. 'It's bittersweet, but it's the right thing for me,' Adesanya said. The UFC community will be watching with great interest as 'The Last Stylebender' embarks on this new chapter in his journey.
