Adesanya Departs City Kickboxing After Decade-Long Run
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has officially severed ties with City Kickboxing, the Auckland-based gym that served as the home for his entire professional mixed martial arts career. The 35-year-old confirmed his split from head coach Eugene Bareman, framing the exit as a necessary evolution after more than 10 years under the same leadership.
A Strategic Shift for Personal Growth
Speaking on the Checkmat podcast, Adesanya noted that the departure was “a long time coming.” While he has yet to name a new permanent training home, he insists the decision is driven by a desire for professional development. “I’ve been there for so long, and I’ve achieved everything there,” Adesanya stated. “It’s just time for a new chapter.”
He characterized the break as amicable, calling it “the right thing for me” at this stage of his career. The partnership with Bareman was one of the most decorated in the sport, yielding two separate reigns as UFC middleweight champion and a string of successful title defenses.
The End of an Era for a Premier Gym
Adesanya’s exit marks a turning point for City Kickboxing, a gym that built its international reputation on the success of elite stars like Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Since his UFC debut in 2018, Adesanya has served as the face of the facility, solidifying its status as a premier destination for world-class striking talent.
Rebuilding After Recent Octagon Setbacks
The move follows a difficult stretch for the former champion. After losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in 2023, Adesanya fell to current champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 this past August. Despite these consecutive losses, Adesanya has stated his clear intent to remain a high-level competitor.
Seeking a Fresh Perspective
In professional MMA, such separations are frequently viewed as a strategic reset. Athletes often seek new environments to introduce fresh techniques and alternative training camp structures. While the logistics of his future camps are not yet finalized, the departure closes the book on one of the most successful coach-fighter partnerships in the modern era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Israel Adesanya training now?
Adesanya has not yet announced a new permanent gym. He has indicated that he is exploring new training environments.
How long was Israel Adesanya with City Kickboxing?
Adesanya trained at City Kickboxing for the duration of his professional MMA career, joining the gym shortly after beginning his transition from professional kickboxing to mixed martial arts.
Is the split with Eugene Bareman permanent?
Yes, Adesanya has framed this as a permanent career move, describing it as a necessary step for his growth as a fighter.
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