​Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has announced a major shift in his career, revealing that he is leaving City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, the gym that helped shape his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport. Adesanya, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has faced a rough stretch in recent years, suffering four consecutive losses, including three defeats by stoppage. In light of this downturn, he says drastic action was necessary to redirect his trajectory.
In a message posted to his YouTube channel, Adesanya confirmed that after 16 years with City Kickboxing, it is time to part ways. “It’s the right thing for me, especially for where I’m at in my career. Insanity is doing the same (expletive) and expecting different results,” he explained. The decision marks the end of an era at CKB, the gym that produced one of the UFC’s most storied championship runs under head coach Eugene Bareman. Adesanya’s time at City Kickboxing saw him capture and defend the middleweight title for several years, cementing his status as a UFC Hall of Famer during his storied tenure with the team.
The four-fight skid clearly influenced Adesanya’s decision to seek a new path, and while the move is introspective and difficult, many observers respect the franchise’s willingness to pivot in pursuit of improvement. As for what comes next, Adesanya’s destination remains largely unknown. He has spent virtually his entire pro career training in New Zealand, but a relocation to the United States could be on the horizon. Potential options include joining a major training facility such as American Top Team or Kill Cliff FC in Florida, where high-performance camps attract elite talent from around the world.
Despite the downturn, Adesanya remains one of MMA’s most popular figures, and any top-level gym would be eager to welcome him. His next camp could play a critical role in revitalizing his career as he eyes a return to competition, potentially aiming to fight again by the end of 2026. Adesanya is still regarded as a premier striker with exceptional technique and a knack for finishing fights, even as age and wear catch up with him. His knockout power remains a weapon, as demonstrated in his most recent victory over Alex Pereira, and his name value continues to help the UFC secure major showcase events.
Questions linger about whether internal dynamics, such as a stated rivalry with Carlos Ulberg, the UFC light heavyweight champion, influenced Adesanya’s decision to depart from City Kickboxing. There has even been speculation that a move to a different weight class could be on the table as he approaches the latter stages of his fighting career.
Regardless of where his next camp is located, Adesanya’s influence inside the sport remains immense. His decision to leave City Kickboxing signals a new chapter in a remarkable career, one that has left an indelible mark on the UFC and on fans around the world. While the exact plan for his return to the Octagon is not publicly set, the anticipation for Adesanya’s next act is high, and supporters will be watching closely to see how this transition shapes his pursuit of reclaiming top form and championship status in the years ahead.