The transition comes at a critical juncture for Adesanya (24-6), who is currently navigating the most difficult stretch of his professional career. The former 185-pound kingpin finds himself on a four-fight losing skid, a stark contrast to his dominant years ruling the UFC middleweight division. Following his decision to part ways with CKB this past May, Adesanya has remained largely tight-lipped about the exact catalyst behind the split. However, he has been vocal about the positive impact the separation has already had on his physical and mental well-being ahead of his next appearance inside the cage.
Israel Adesanya addresses City Kickboxing exit: ‘Best I’ve felt in a very long time’
While the specifics regarding his departure from the Auckland-based gym remain private, Adesanya appears rejuvenated. Speaking candidly to his supporters on his official YouTube channel, the charismatic striker revealed that crafting a training regimen tailored entirely to his unique needs has revitalized his passion and physical condition.
"I can truly say, with my departure from my old gym, CKB, and now building the team that I have and training specifically for me, this is the best I’ve felt in a very long time, for real," Adesanya shared with his audience.
This sense of renewal is precisely what followers of the former champion hope will translate into his upcoming performances. For well over a decade, City Kickboxing and head coach Eugene Bareman served as the bedrock of Adesanya’s ascent in combat sports, helping mold him into a two-time UFC middleweight champion, a kickboxing standout, and one of the sport’s most recognizable global superstars. Walking away from an institution that defined his professional identity is a massive gamble, but for an elite athlete seeking to correct a downward trajectory, sweeping changes are often deemed necessary to break bad momentum.
The adversity Adesanya faces is unprecedented in his professional tenure. His current struggles began when he surrendered the 185-pound championship to Sean Strickland via a stunning unanimous decision at UFC 293 in September 2023. That upset loss disrupted the division and began a tough sequence for the veteran striker. Looking to bounce back and reclaim his throne, Adesanya subsequently encountered a series of stoppage losses against top-tier competition, stumbling against reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis, dangerous contender Nassourdine Imavov, and surging middleweight Joe Pyfer.
The accumulation of these setbacks prompted a deep evaluation of his training methods, camp structure, and overall approach to the sport. By stepping away from the generalized team environment at CKB and establishing a hyper-focused, bespoke coaching staff centered exclusively around his physical development and skill set, Adesanya is betting on himself to reverse his fortunes.
Speculation surrounding Adesanya’s next move has already begun to capture the attention of the mixed martial arts community. Rumors indicate that the former champion is slated to headline an upcoming UFC Fight Night event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest he could face explosive finisher Sharabutdin Magomedov, who currently holds an impressive 17-1 professional record. The potential matchup is targeted for December 5, though the Ultimate Fighting Championship has not yet officially confirmed the booking.
As the calendar moves closer to the rumored date in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Israel Adesanya to see if his new training ecosystem can deliver the championship-level form that defined the peak of his legendary career.
