MMA
Israel Adesanya's next gym move teased as he trains with two UFC stars
Credit: Mat Hayward/GettyFormer UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya could be joining forces with a longtime training partner.
Israel Adesanya hasn't won a fight in the UFC Octagon since knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in their legendary rematch. Since he reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by beating Pereira, Adesanya has lost four consecutive fights, including recent knockout losses to Joe Pyfer and Nassourdine Imavov.
After Adesanya's most recent setback against Pyfer at UFC Seattle, the former middleweight titleholder announced he was leaving his longtime team, City Kickboxing, for a fresh start. Adesanya's decision to leave City Kickboxing was one of the most surprising storylines of the year, and it comes at a time of great uncertainty for his fighting future.
Fighters of Adesanya's caliber are often coveted by many of the top MMA gyms, including in the United States. Earlier this week, Adesanya returned to training and hinted at potentially moving to Sydney full-time.
Israel Adesanya hints at potential Sydney move in recent training footage
Watch Adesanya train with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight Mauricio Ruffy below.
👀🤔 Israel Adesanya joins Alexander Volkanovski's camp after leaving CKB?
Adesanya left CKB in July and is now training with Volk and Ruffy.
🎥 Engage pic.twitter.com/s1KXddRa20
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 3, 2026
Volkanovski and Ruffy train under coach Joe Lopez at Freestyle MMA Performance Centre in Sydney, Australia. As of this writing, it's uncertain whether or not Adesanya intends to train full-time at Freestyle MMA or if he's considering other options.
Adesanya's decision to leave City Kickboxing came after months of rumors of turmoil between Adesanya, head coach Eugene Bareman, and UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. Adesanya and Ulberg were involved in a rumored love triangle gone wrong that ruined their relationship.
After his recent struggles inside the Octagon, Adesanya is looking to get back on track in the middleweight division and potentially return to the title mix. As his former rival Sean Strickland kicks off his second title reign, Adesanya will look to make a statement in his return.
Who should Israel Adesanya fight in his UFC return? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Dana White dismisses Alex Pereira’s claims against Daniel Cormier: ‘I don’t tell anybody what to say’
Shakur Stevenson Faces Criticism for Avoiding All-American Boxing Clash
Canelo Alvarez Discusses Challenging Christian Mbilli for WBC Title: Strategies for a Successful Fight
Alex Pereira backs Paulo Costa to beat Magomed Ankalaev with pressure
-
Boxing2 days agoNakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelos Commitment
-
MMA2 days agoIsmael Bonfim removed from UFC roster after gigantic weight miss
-
Boxing2 days agoTyson Furys Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing
-
Boxing2 days agoDerek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama
-
Boxing1 day agoAgit Kabayel Expected to Defeat Nelson Hysa by TKO in Five Rounds
-
Boxing1 day agoNaoya Inoue vs Bam Rodriguez Mega Fight in Jeopardy: Im Not Waiting Sparks Concerns
-
MMA1 day agoMichael ‘Venom’ Page says 3 Misfits fights will pay more than 6 in UFC
-
Boxing21 hours agoDana White Rejects November 28 Date for Shakur vs. Haney Fight