TLDR
- Israel Adesanya has joined a new training gym after losing four consecutive UFC fights
- The former middleweight champion previously trained at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand
- Adesanya’s losing streak includes losses to top contenders and has dropped him in the rankings
- He is making his first major training change in over a decade with the UFC
- Adesanya has not announced his next opponent or when he plans to return to competition
Sources: sports.yahoo.com
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has made a major change to his training routine by joining a new gym. The decision comes after Adesanya suffered four consecutive losses inside the octagon.
Adesanya, 37, announced the move on social media this week. He posted photos from his new training facility but did not immediately name the specific gym or its location.
The fighter has spent most of his professional MMA career training at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand. City Kickboxing, led by head coach Eugene Bareman, helped guide Adesanya to the UFC middleweight championship in 2019.
Adesanya won the title by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243. He successfully defended the belt multiple times before losing it to Sean Strickland in September 2023.
💥👀 Alexander Volkanovski says Israel Adesanya is the best striker the world has ever seen:
"I mean, when it comes to technique, skill, overall fight IQ, skill, timing, range — like, you know what I mean? When it comes to that overall skill and as an art, I would say Izzy would… pic.twitter.com/qWM5D9FQ0H
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 10, 2026
Four Straight Losses Drop Former Champion in Rankings
The losing streak represents the worst stretch of Adesanya’s professional career. His four consecutive defeats have dropped him from championship contention to outside the top five in the middleweight division.
Adesanya’s most recent loss came in his last fight earlier this year. Before that, he suffered defeats to rising contenders who have since moved up in the rankings.
The former champion has competed in the UFC since 2018. During his time with the promotion, he compiled an impressive record that included wins over some of the best fighters in the middleweight division.
Adesanya became known for his striking skills and knockout power. He earned Performance of the Night bonuses multiple times throughout his UFC career.
New Training Environment Could Bring Fresh Perspective
Changing gyms represents a rare move for established UFC fighters. Many top competitors stay with the same training team throughout their entire careers.
Adesanya worked with Bareman and City Kickboxing for over a decade. The partnership produced championship success and made Adesanya one of the most popular fighters in the sport.
In his social media post, Adesanya thanked his previous coaches and training partners. He said the decision to switch gyms was difficult but necessary for his career.
The fighter did not provide details about what led to the change. He also did not specify how long he plans to train at the new facility.
Adesanya has not announced his next fight or opponent. UFC officials have not commented on when the former champion might return to competition.
The fighter remains under contract with the UFC. Despite the losing streak, he continues to be a draw for fans and a well-known name in mixed martial arts.
Adesanya’s team has not released information about specific training changes or new coaching staff. The fighter is expected to spend several months at the new gym before taking another fight.
