Israel Adesanya is closing one of the most important chapters of his combat sports career. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion revealed that he will no longer train at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, ending a partnership that helped shape him into one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation.
Adesanya spent more than a decade at the renowned gym under head coach Eugene Bareman, becoming one of the faces of the team while capturing UFC gold and building a global fanbase.
A Difficult But Necessary Decision
Adesanya shared the news in a recent YouTube video, explaining that the decision had already been discussed privately with Bareman.
“I spoke to Eugene face-to-face and told him I’m not coming back to CKB.”
“It was something a long time coming behind the scenes, and we have an understanding. It’s bittersweet, but it’s the right thing for me, especially where I am in my career. It’s exactly what I needed.
The move comes as Adesanya looks to reset following the toughest stretch of his UFC career. The former champion has lost four straight fights and has been stopped in each of his last three appearances inside the Octagon.
Looking Back On His CKB Legacy
Adesanya reflected on the years he spent at City Kickboxing and the impact the gym had on his development as a fighter.
“2009 is when I first went to CKB, and 2010 is when I actually moved over, and I established myself in Auckland.”
At the same time, Adesanya acknowledged his own role in helping elevate the gym’s international profile during his rise through kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
“CKB made me into the fighter I am today.”
“But also, I am one of the pillars who put CKB on the map on the world stage,”
“I’m proud of that.”